Greenbrier, sarsaparilla, smilax - Herbalists use the roots and the underground stems, otherwise known as the rhizomes (which are edible). Some species of cocolmeca are even found in American Root beer. Cocolmeca is a woody climbing vine plant—that many cultures believe to be a miracle plant. It flowers, has heart-shaped leaves and its small red berries make it a favorite choice of food for birds in the winter. It is native to Central America, Mexico and in temperate, tropical locations around the world.