Question

Berry Plant 005  

berry plant 010   I've searched all databases to ID this plant that grows on vine on back fence. Mission,Tx [south border].  See attached pics please.

Answer
Hi Ken,

Thanks for the pictures and the question.  This is a Smilax vine.  Also called Green Briar, because many species have thorns, but not all.  There are a dozen or more species that occur where you live.  I can't be sure of the exact species, because some species can cross-pollinate, giving a slightly different leaf shape, etc.  Google images of Smilax Smallii  (Jackson vine)- that looks pretty close.  They rarely have thorns, and if they do occur, it's mostly at the base of the plant - not in the new growth.

Thanking you,

Susan Tabor