Smilax excels L.
To the left of the path along the route, in an area adjacent to a crossroads, you can find a liana, Smilax excels, characteristic of the subtropical Caucasian forest.
The strong stem of Smilax excels covered with large sharp spikes resembles barbed wire. These spikes can injure the body and tear clothes. However, a young stem is completely different – thin, soft and without the thorns. The cordately ovate leaves diverge from it. Two long tendrils are clearly visible at the base of each petiole. The liana uses them to cling to and climb trees. The origin of the tendrils is not quite usual: they are modified stipules.
The leaves and young shoots are eaten fresh or pickled.
