View source for Smilax moranensis - Greenbriers

'''Smilax moranensis''' is a plant species in the family Smilacaceae. It is native to mountainous areas in Mexico from Sonora and Chihuahua south to Chiapas.

Smilax moranensis is a trailing to climbing vine sometimes reaching a height of 10 m (33 feet). Leaves are broadly ovate, round and the base and slightly tapering toward the tip. Flowers are born in umbels in the axils of the leaves, each with 6 yellow-green tepals.

== Uses ==
 
*The species is used medicinally throughout much of its range, under the common name zarzaparilla. It is valued for its expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.<ref name="uses"/> It is also reportedly useful in treating Type 2 diabetes.

== References ==
 
<references>
<ref name="uses">[http://www.medicinatradicionalmexicana.unam.mx/monografia.php?l=3&t=&id=7192  Biblioteca Digital de la Medicina Tradicional de México]</ref>
</references>

== External Links ==
 
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax_moranensis Smilax moranensis]

[[Category:Herbs]]