Αρκόβατος, Αντζουλόβατος, Σμίλαξ η αιχμηρή
Etymology of Smilax aspera: The name of the genus, "Smilax", comes from the Ancient Greek "σμῖλαξ" [smilax], which derives from "σμίλη"+the suffix "-αξ", meaning "chisel, moil, cutter", probably because of the thorns of various sizes that exist (at least on the species aspera and officinalis) on the stem and petioles. Latin "aspera" means "pointed, sharp" and refers, as well, to the presence of many small, sharp prickles.
Smilax aspera is the one and only Smilax specimen that exists in the wild Cypriot habitat.
Smilax aspera is a climbing evergreen shrub of warm and tropical regions. It is a glabrous, dioecious perennial. The stems can be up to 15 metres, twining and climbing into and over other trees, with spiny zigzag branches. The leaves can be up to 15 X 9.5 cm but are mostly smaller. They are heart-shaped, very leathery and have a pair of tendrils arising from the base of the petiole, with prickles on the petiole, margin and principal veins beneath. The blade has several strong longitudinal veins and reticulate fine venation, with pale green patches on the upper surface of most leaves. The size and shape of the leaves are very variable. The flower axes can range from 3 to more than 30 cm, and carry from 5 to 30 greenish-to-yellow flowers with minute bracteoles. The fruit is a spherical rather soft berry, about 10 mm long and 7 mm broad. The mature berries are red, when they dry out they turn black.
The fruits of Smilax aspera are edible. Edible are also the young shoots of the plant, which in Cyprus were cooked like asparagus (fried with eggs).
Smilax aspera exists all around the island and can be found up to an altitude of 1375 metres. Its preferable habitats are garrigue, phrygana, shrub and bushy places. Its flowering period in Cyprus is between August and November.
