Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Lamiales
Genus:
Species:
ilicifolius
ID:
514512

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

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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.

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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 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,

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Based on the WCVP December 2022 data release.: Based on the WCVP December 2022 data release.