About Acanthus spinosus L.
Acanthus spinosus, commonly known as spiny bear's breech, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to southern Europe, ranging from Italy to western Turkey. This is an herbaceous perennial that reaches 150 cm (59 in) in height and spreads 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 in) in width. Its deeply cut leaves have spiny margins. In early summer, it produces erect racemes of white flowers that are 1 m (3 ft) long, with maroon bracts. It is thought that A. spinosus and its close relative A. mollis were first introduced to Britain from the Mediterranean as both ornamental and herbal plants during Roman times. It has been cultivated intermittently ever since, and is now a common plant used in herbaceous borders. For centuries, stylized versions of acanthus leaves made from stone or bronze have been used as decoration in certain architectural and furniture styles.
