Jamaican sarsaparilla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jamaican sarsaparilla |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Smilax
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| Species: |
ornata
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Smilax ornata is a plant that grows like a vine and has prickly stems. It is native to Mexico and Central America. This plant is also known by common names like sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla, and Jamaican sarsaparilla.
The word "sarsaparilla" comes from the Spanish word zarzaparrilla. This word is made up of zarza, which means "bramble" (a thorny bush), and parrilla, meaning "little grape vine".
Contents
What is Sarsaparilla Used For?
Food and Drinks
Smilax ornata is famous for being used to make a soft drink called sarsaparilla. This drink has a unique, earthy flavor. It was also a main ingredient in old-fashioned root beer, often mixed with another plant called sassafras.
Traditional Medicine
Long ago, Native American people believed that Smilax ornata had special medicinal qualities. They used it for various health purposes.
Images for kids
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Triterpenes, a natural compound found in sarsaparilla
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Sarsaparilloside, another compound from sarsaparilla
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Sarsaparilla R1, a chemical found in the plant
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Sarsaparilla R2, another chemical from the plant
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Parillin, a compound also found in sarsaparilla
See Also
In Spanish: Smilax ornata para niños
