Berchemia scandens | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Rosales |
Family: | Rhamnaceae |
Genus: | Berchemia |
Species: | B. scandens
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Binomial name | |
Berchemia scandens (Hill) K. Koch
[1]
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Berchemia scandens, commonly called Alabama supplejack, [2] is a species of climbing plant in the buckthorn family. It is native to the central and southern parts of the United States. [3] It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including swamps, bottomlands, riparian banks, and upland calcareous areas. [4]
It is a woody vine, with older stems reaching 18 cm in diameter. [4] The strong stems of the plant are often used for wickerwork. [5] It produces flowers in the spring
The Houma people used a decoction of the aerial parts of the vine for impotency. Other Native Americans used the plant as a blood purifier and the ashes of the vine to treat coughs. [6]