Acanthus Spinosus: Algeria’s Spiny Botanical Marvel

Taxonomy:
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Phylum: | Tracheophytes |
Class: | Angiosperms |
Class: | Eudicots |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | |
Genus: | Acanthus |
Species: | A.Spinosus |
Introduction
Acanthus spinosus (Spiny Bear’s Breech) is a striking perennial native to Algeria’s Mediterranean regions. Known for its dramatic spiny foliage and towering flower spikes, this plant thrives in rocky coastal areas and contributes to Algerian plant biodiversity. Historically linked to ancient architecture (Corinthian columns), it’s now a symbol of native Algerian flora resilience.
Synonyms:
Acanthus spinosissimus
Acanthus mollis subsp. spinosusHow to Identify Acanthus Spinosus in Algeria
Acanthus Spinosus is a genus of perennial
plants from the Acanthaceae family that is native to Africa and found
in southern Europe and northern Africa. A tall herbaceous plant, about a
meter high, its leaves are very beautiful, bright dark green, toothed and
thorny without being harmful. The thorns are white at the tip
and their very distinct flowers are often white and purple
Leaves:
Deeply lobed, glossy green with sharp spines at tips
Flowers: White/purple hooded blooms on 1m spikes
Stem:
Thick hairy, with reddish tinge
Habitat: Rocky slopes, coastal scrub,near olive groves
Acanthus Spinosus is a genus of perennial plants from the Acanthaceae family that is native to Africa and found in southern Europe and northern Africa. A tall herbaceous plant, about a meter high, its leaves are very beautiful, bright dark green, toothed and thorny without being harmful. The thorns are white at the tip and their very distinct flowers are often white and purple
Leaves: Deeply lobed, glossy green with sharp spines at tips
Flowers: White/purple hooded blooms on 1m spikes
Stem: Thick hairy, with reddish tinge
Habitat: Rocky slopes, coastal scrub,near olive grovesType
Of Plant | Life
Cycle | Height | Flowering
Time | Altitude |
Herbaceous | Perennial | 0.15 m to 1m | Jul-Sep | 900 m |
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
Yes |
Yes |
White and Purple |
Declining-Scarce |
Safe |
Other Common Name:
Arabic |
Berber |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
Quantarium shaik |
|
Bear’s breeches |
Acanthe épineuse |
Oyster Plant Acanto espinoso |
Rarity in Algeria
Not globally rare, but locally threatened in Algerian coastal zones.
Status: Locally common but declining; classified as regionally threatened in coastal areas due to:
Urban expansion (Algiers, Bejaia, Jijel coasts)
Overharvesting for ornamental use
Exact Locations
- Tell Atlas: Djurdjura Mountains (800m altitude)
- Coastal Zones: Sidi Fredj (Algiers), Cap Carbon (Bejaia)
- Protected Areas: Taza National Park (observed near streams)
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