Re-opening the old woods road after Hurricane Helene, many Smilax roots turned up.

Gretchen with a big Smilax root

There are about six Georgia species of Smilax, known variously as Catbrier, Greenbrier, Saw Greenbrier, Lanceleaf Greenbrier, Roundleaf Greenbrier, etc. You can see a theme: viny briers.

Underground they have extensive roots, including these large nodules. I don’t know which species this one is.

You can prepare Smilax roots as a starchy food, as native Americans did. That’s a lot of work. Continue reading →