Carrion Flower
Smilax herbacea
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Pl. D55B — Smilax herbacea
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IOverview
Overview
The Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) is a perennial plant native to regions across Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and others. It thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions. This vine can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and prefers well-drained soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible parts—fruit, leaves, roots, and shoots—the Carrion Flower is valued both in the wild and cultivated settings. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to mimic carrion to attract pollinators, earning it its common name despite not being a true flower.
Quick answers
What is Carrion Flower?
The Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) is a perennial plant native to regions across Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, and others. It thrives in moist environments with partial sun or shade, making it adaptable to various light conditions.
What is Carrion Flower used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Carrion Flower
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Smilax species have been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestive health, often prepared as a tea. This preparation may help alleviate minor digestive discomfort.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves the presence of saponins and flavonoids which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Smilax species have been traditionally used in Native American medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. This preparation may help maintain overall health during seasonal changes.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but involves the presence of saponins and flavonoids which are known for their immunomodulatory effects.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Carrion Flower support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. This perennial plant is propagated through root cuttings or division. Edible parts include the fruit, leaves, roots, and shoots, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Carrion Flower for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving Carrion Flower in a moist environment for a beginner-friendly experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, potting soil, and a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil and ensure your container has adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young plant into a larger pot if needed, ensuring it's not root-bound.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Place in partial shade to prevent stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light to full sun exposure and keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or damaged growth to encourage new shoots. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in too much shade, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough light, and using unsuitable soil types.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesRootShoots
Edible uses: Gelatine
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Africa24 regions
native (24)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritiusMozambiqueNigeriaRwanda
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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