Acanthus Mollis: Edible and Ornamental Algerian Native Plant with Rich Biodiversity
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Tracheophytes |
Class: | Angiosperms |
Class: | Eudicots |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Acanthaceae |
Genus: | Acanthus |
Species: | A.Mollis |
Introduction
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear’s Breech, is one of Algeria’s most iconic wild Mediterranean plants. With its bold, sculptural leaves and towering flower spikes, this perennial has captivated civilizations for millennia—from adorning Corinthian columns to serving in traditional medicine.
Synonyms:
How to Identify Acanthus Mollis in Algeria
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear’s Breeches, is a striking
perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Algeria. This
ornamental species thrives in Algeria’s coastal and mountainous regions, where
its large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes add aesthetic
value to gardens and natural landscapes. Known for its resilience and adaptability,
Acanthus mollis is often found in
rocky slopes, woodlands, and Mediterranean shrublands.
Leaves: Large (up to 1m),
glossy, deeply lobed (spineless vs. A. spinosus)
Flowers: White/purple hooded blooms on 1–2m spikes (May–August)
Roots: Thick, (spreads aggressively).Type
Of Plant
Life
Cycle
Height
Flowering
Time
Altitude
Herbaceous
Perennial
1 to 2m
Spring
0 to 900 m
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as Bear’s Breeches, is a striking perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Algeria. This ornamental species thrives in Algeria’s coastal and mountainous regions, where its large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and tall flower spikes add aesthetic value to gardens and natural landscapes. Known for its resilience and adaptability, Acanthus mollis is often found in rocky slopes, woodlands, and Mediterranean shrublands.
Leaves: Large (up to 1m), glossy, deeply lobed (spineless vs. A. spinosus)
Flowers: White/purple hooded blooms on 1–2m spikes (May–August)
Roots: Thick, (spreads aggressively).
Type
Of Plant
Life
Cycle
Height
Flowering
Time
Altitude
Herbaceous
Perennial
1 to 2m
Spring
0 to 900 m
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
|
Yes |
No |
White and Purple |
Common Tell .A |
Mild
|
Other Common Name:
|
Arabic |
Berber |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
|
Kabounia,N'awart djebel,Al aquantha |
Taferfah |
Bear’s breeches |
Acanthe molle |
Hierba giganto,Acanto comune |
Where to Find It in Algeria
Coastal Zones: Tipaza, Bejaia (rocky outcrops near sea)Urban Areas: Historical gardens (Algiers, Constantine)
Traditional Uses
Root poultices: Used for burns/sprains (Kabylie region).
Caution: No clinical studies verify safety/efficacy.
Ornamental: Planted in Moorish gardens (Casbah of Algiers).Comparison to Other Algerian Acanthus Species
|
Feature |
A. mollis |
A. spinosus |
|
Leaf Texture |
Soft, spineless |
Prickly spines |
|
Flower Height |
1–2 m |
0.8–1.5 m |
|
Toxicity |
Mild |
Moderate |
|
Rarity |
Common |
Regionally scarce |
No comments: