Smilax aristolochiifolia

Botanical Description

Mexican sarsaparilla is a perennial climbing plant with prickly stems. This is one of the main species that supply commercial sarsaparilla - the rhizomes being used medicinally and as a flavouring in foods. The rhizomes are also used locally and are sold in local markets for medicinal use[ 46 Title Dictionary of Economic Plants. Publication Author Uphof. J. C. Th. Publisher Weinheim Year 1959 ISBN - Description An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the plants. Not for the casual reader. ].