216 SMILACE^E. [Dictyoge-ns. 



tins plant are known under the name of Sweet Tea. Various Asiatic species, such as 

 S. zeylanica, glabra, perfoliata, and leucophylla, are reputed to be little different in 

 their qualities from the American species. Smilax excelsa and aspera are common 

 substitutes in the south of Europe ; according to Dr. Walsh (Hort. Trans, vi. 41), the 

 root of both S. aspera and S. excelsa, which abound on the hills and in the woods on 

 both sides of the Bosphorus, is used in decoction, like Sarsaparilla, for which it is 

 sometimes substituted. Nees and Ebermaier say that it sometimes comes into the 

 market under the name of Italian Sarsaparilla, but that it has little resemblance to the 

 genuine drug. Smilax China has a large fleshy root, the decoction of which is supposed 

 to have virtues equal to that of Sarsaparilla, in improving the health after the use of 

 mercury. According to the Abbe Rochon, the Chinese often eat it instead of Rice, 

 and it contributes to make them lusty. — Ainslie, 1. 70. 



Roxburgh informs us that the large tuberous rhizomes of S. lanceaefolia are much 

 used by the natives of India, and are not to be distinguished from China root. The 

 juice of the fresh tuber is taken inwardly for the cure of rheumatic affections, and the 

 refuse, after extracting the juice, is laid over the parts most painful. American China 

 root is reported to belong to this plant ; but several species seem to be mixed together 

 by botanists under this name. Elliot says that he believes Smilax Pseudo-China to be 

 the one generally preferred in medicine as an alterative, and that it forms the basis of 

 many diet drinks among the unlicensed faculty of the United States. From the tubers, 

 with maize, sassafras and molasses, the negroes of Carolina manufacture a very plea- 

 sant beer. 



GKNERA. 



Smilax, L. 

 Ripogonum, Forst. 



Numbers. Ge.\. 2. Sp. 120. 



Menisperm acece. 

 Position. — Dioscoreacete. — Smilace.e. — Trilliacese, 



LiliacetB. 





ADDITIONAL GEXERA. 

 Coprosmanthus, Kth. | Heterosmilax, Kth. 



