smilax \smi"lax\, n. l., bindweed, gr. ???. bot.
   a a genus of perennial climbing plants, usually with a
       prickly woody stem; green brier, or cat brier. the
       rootstocks of certain species are the source of the
       medicine called sarsaparilla.
   b a delicate trailing plant myrsiphyllum asparagoides
       much used for decoration. it is a native of the cape of
       good hope.
       1913 webster
see also:
myrsiphyllum asparagoides