About Smilax moranensis M.Martens & Galeotti
Smilax moranensis M.Martens & Galeotti is a species of flowering plant in the Smilacaceae family. It is native to mountainous regions of Mexico, growing from Sonora and Chihuahua in the north, south to Chiapas. This plant is a trailing to climbing vine that can sometimes reach 10 meters (33 feet) in height. Its leaves are broadly ovate, with a rounded base, and taper slightly toward the tip. Flowers grow in umbels in the axils of the leaves, and each flower has 6 yellow-green tepals. Across most of its native range, this species is used medicinally under the common name zarzaparilla. It is valued for its expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and is also reported to be useful for treating Type 2 diabetes.
