noun
Smilax china; China root; sarsaparilla
A climbing shrub native to East Asia, known for its thorny stems and medicinal rhizomes. Often referred to by its scientific name or as 'China root'.
サルトリイバラの根は漢方薬に使われる。
The root of Smilax china is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
山道でサルトリイバラのとげに引っかかった。
I got caught on the thorns of a Smilax china plant on the mountain trail.
The Japanese name サルトリイバラ literally means 'monkey-catching thorn', referring to the plant's thorny stems. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it likely describes the plant's ability to snag passing animals.