Smi-la'se-e. L. Smil-ax + aceae, fr. Gr.

a scraper - i. e., alluding to the rough, prickly stems. Mostly vines, woody or herbaceous, stems often prickly. Distinguished by 3-5-nerved (net-veined) leaves, punctate; flowers 6's, umbels, anthers 2-celled, extrorse, ovary 3-celled; fruit globose-berry containing 1-6 brownish seeds; warm and temperate climates; alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic. Genus: 1. Smilax.