| Catbrier Family: Smilacaceae | ||||||||||
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The Smilacaceae was formerly included in the Liliaceae or lily family but now is regarded as justifiably segregate. It is believed by some to be closely allied to the Dioscoreaceae or yam family.
Members of this family typically have woody roots and a climbing or vining form. Some have woody vining stems, often with thorns, while others are herbaceous above ground and thornless. Some are known for their malodorous flowers.
The genus Nemexia includes the herbaceous plants native to North America that were formerly included in Smilax. Smilax, the type genus, includes only plants that have a woody, vining form with thorns.