Mexican Sarsaparilla (Smilax aristolochiifolia)

Family: Smilacaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Mexican Sarsaparilla, Smilax aristolochiifolia, is a perennial climbing plant native to Mexico and Central America. It is also known as gray sarsaparilla or sarsaparilla. Its leaves are ovate, paper-like, leathery, and alternate. The fruits are small red berries with 2 or 3 seeds. The flowers are small and green, readily symmetrical, and dioecious. S.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour soft drinks ice cream, confectionery and bakery products. — Root extracts are used to flavour soft drinks ice cream, confectionery and bakery products.; A bitter, liquorice-like root.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 10)