Smilax aspera L.
Diagnostic description:
A woody-stemmed, twining and climbing perennial, to 10 m or more. Stems with hooked spines. Leaves leathery and shiny, from lanceolate to broadly or narrowly heart-shaped, up to 10 cm long, with 2 tendrils near the base of the petiole; with or without hooked spines along the margins and on the midvein underneath. Flowers about 1 cm across with 6 perianth segments, creamy white to pinkish, scented, clustered in terminal and axillary branches. Fruit are berries about 7 mm diameter, at first red then black.
Distribution:
Local: Very common and widespread throughout the Upper Rock and southern parts.
Global: Found throughout the Mediterranean region.
Ecology:
Flowers from (September) October to November (December).
Uses:
The young shoots are edible and used in salads.