4-21 Smilacaceae,  catbrier family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, catbrier family, Smilax, catbrier, greenbrier, vine

Abstract

Four genera include about 375 species throughout the tropical and subtropical world. A few are temperate. Nova Scotia has a single species, here limited to southwestern counties. They may be shrubs, herbs or vines, perennial and rhizomatous. The leaves are opposite or alternate and prominently three-ribbed. The flowers are generally imperfect, borne in umbels, less often in racemes or spikes. The species are dioecious. Tepals number six, rarely forming a tube. Stamens are arranged in 2–3 whorls. Fruits are baccate bearing 1–3 seeds.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor

4-21 Smilacaceae, catbrier family