Common Name: Espino Hueco

General Information

Espino hueco is a shrub with hollow angulate stems, sometimes growing erect but more commonly the branches are recurved or scandent and scramble over other plants for support[]. The branches and lower leaf surfaces are armed with sharp recurved prickles[].
The roots are sometimes harvested from the wild for medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Northern S. America - Bolivia, north through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Dry to moist forests[]. Chiefly in moist or wet thickets, most often in second growth, frequently a noxious weed in banana plantations, most common in the tierra caliente but ascending to about 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This plant is one of the worst weeds in banana plantations[]. Areas in which it grows soon become impenetrable unless the bushes are cut. Wherever it grows, the shrub is a great pest, since the sharp prickles tear the flesh painfully, so that it is impossible to pass through an infested place without the use of a machete[].
Seedlings often grow abundantly in clearings[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are used as a substitute for sarsaparilla (Smilax spp.)[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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