Smilax bona-nox, Saw Greenbrier.
Smilax bona-nox, Saw Greenbrier is a highly variable plant, often with wide variation of leaf shape on the same plant (round to fiddle-shaped). Margins usually thickened with ribs appearing like the raised veins on the underside of leaf. Leaf stalk usually much shorter than flower or fruit stalks. Often difficult to distinguish from Smilax rotundifolia. Stem decoction used as a general tonic. Green stems, according to John R. Swanton's "Beliefs and Medical Practices of the Creek [Muscogee] Indians" (1924-25), when wet were rubbed on the face to make one young (perhaps inspired by their evergreen habit). Large tuberous roots used by various native groups as food; dried, and ground into flour. Root tea considered diuretic. Dark bluish-black fruits are edible; eaten by birds, bears, and me.
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