Help with Identification of Berry bearing plant

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by DarkStar, Sep 21, 2006.

  1. DarkStar

    DarkStar Member

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    Know a couple of people that have found this growing and asking if they are edible, been searching some University web sites for plant Id but havent been able to find anything like this. I know its not a wild grape but this was found near them, only other thing i was wondering if it was some type of local hybrid but the two i know of are well over a hunderd miles apart. Thanks Tim

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    Last edited: Sep 22, 2006
  2. tipularia

    tipularia Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Your photo is not working.
     
  3. DarkStar

    DarkStar Member

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    I think I found it, Smooth Carrion Flower (Smilax herbacea) female vine
     
  4. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Yeah, I think you've got it. As to the edible part, flowers listed as toxic (if they smell like carrion, who would want to eat them anyway). A few websites mention people eating the young shoots in the spring and using the berries raw or cooked.

    As with any plant, make sure your ID is definate and do your research befor sampling any part for eating.
     
  5. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Ginkgo fruits reek of carrion yet the nuts are eaten.
     
  6. oscar

    oscar Active Member

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    must have been a real hungry person who tried them first.
     
  7. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Hunger has not been rare in China and east Asia in the past.
     
  8. Weekend Gardener

    Weekend Gardener Active Member 10 Years

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    The Gingko nuts, for your information, taste really good boiled into a sweetened soup. It's supposed to improve your memory..................er, if I remember correctly! And a piece of advice - if you are ever tempted to try it, just go for the canned ones. Trust me, getting the nuts prepared and ready for cooking from those that are still in shells is a lot of work. Those of us who put ourselves through the arduous task meditate while we get the nuts ready!
     

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