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'.
The root of Smilax china is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
I got caught on the thorns of a Smilax china plant on the mountain trail.
Katakana spelling is common for this plant name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in modern writing.
Obsolete kanji form; it is containing out-dated kanji.
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.