Smilax vaginata Decne.

Commonly growing in patches, in shrubby forest undergrowth. Found in the northern regions, in the Murree Hills, Kaghan, Kurram Vy. and Upper Swat areas from 1500-3000 m.

Perennial, branched shrub or undershrub, up to 60 cm tall. Branches terete, unarmed. Male plant with broadly ellipitical leaves, 29-45 x 10-30 mm, the female with sub-orbicular leaves, 50-65 x 45-60 mm; apex sub-acute or obtuse, sometimes with an acumen; cordate or rounded at base; margin entire, paler on the lower surface, 5-nerved with 3 distinct veins, prominent on the lower surface. Petiole 10-15 mm long, dilated and clasping at the base. Tendrils absent. Flowers minute, purple. Perianth segments 2 mm long, oblong-elliptic, the inner 3 shorter and narrow Male flowers: umbellate, peduncle c. 18 mm long, slender; pedicel 6 mm long, filiform staminal filaments subsessile. much shorter than the perianth. Female flower: solitary; staminodes 6. Berry c. 6 mm long and broad, globose, blue-black.

Distribution: Himalayas; Upper Assam.

Fl.Per.: May.