The subgeneric nomenclature for the herbaceous-stemmed Smilax species (Smilacaceae) of North America

The several names and ranks given to the North American group ofSmilax with biovulate locules together with both herbaceous and nonprickly stems are listed chronologically and discussed nomenclaturally. It is concluded that this group of approximately nine species should be known at the generic rank asNemexia Raf. or at the rank of subgenus asSmilax subgenusLuiste Raf. or at section rank asSmilax sectionNemexia (Raf.) A. DC.