Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 639 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000513844
Common Names
- Holly-Leaf Acanthus
- Holly-Leaved Acanthus
- Holly-Leafed Acanthus
Synonyms
- Dilivaria ilicifolia Juss. [unknown]
Description
Acanthus ilicifolius (also called Holly-Leaved Acanthus, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region. It grows to a height of up to 1.5 m and has large, spiny, holly-like leaves. The flowers are white or pinkish and appear in summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Uses & Benefits
Acanthus ilicifolius is an ornamental plant used in gardens and parks. It has a long flowering period and its flowers attract bees and butterflies. It can also be used as a groundcover or as a low hedge.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Acanthus ilicifolius var. ilicifolius
Acanthus ilicifolius var. integrifolius T.Anderson
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Flower of Acanthus ilicifolius is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, triangular-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and light green in color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Acanthus ilicifolius is a fast-growing, evergreen perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.2m. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by division in spring or autumn. Seeds can also be sown in spring or autumn.
Where to Find Acanthus ilicifolius
Acanthus ilicifolius can be found in the Mediterranean region, particularly in Spain, France, and Italy.
Acanthus ilicifolius FAQ
What is the scientific name of Acanthus ilicifolius?
Acanthus ilicifolius
What is the common name of Acanthus ilicifolius?
Holly-leaved Bear's Breech
What is the native range of Acanthus ilicifolius?
Eastern Mediterranean
Species in the Acanthus genus
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,
Acanthus leucostachyus,
Acanthus longibracteatus,
Acanthus mayaccanus,
Acanthus mollis,
Acanthus montanus,
Acanthus polystachyus,
Acanthus sennii,
Acanthus seretii,
Acanthus spinosus,
Acanthus ueleensis,
Acanthus villaeanus,
Acanthus volubilis,
Acanthus albus,
Species in the Acanthaceae family
Acanthopale macrocarpa,
Acanthopale confertiflora,
Acanthopale decempedalis,
Acanthopale laxiflora,
Acanthopale madagascariensis,
Acanthopale pubescens,
Acanthopale aethiogermanica,
Acanthopale breviceps,
Acanthopale cuneifolia,
Acanthopale ramiflora,
Acanthopale perrieri,
Acanthopale humblotii,
Acanthopsis carduifolia,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis glauca,
Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana,
Acanthopsis horrida,
Acanthopsis scullyi,
Acanthopsis spathularis,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis tuba,
Acanthopsis ludoviciana,
Acanthopsis adamanticola,
Acanthopsis dispermoides,
Acanthopsis erosa,
Acanthopsis dregeana,
Acanthopsis tetragona,
Acanthopsis glandulopalmata,
Acanthopsis insueta,
Acanthopsis nitida,
Acanthopsis pagodiformis,
Acanthopsis glabra,
Acanthopsis villosa,
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,