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Acanthus Spinosus: Algeria’s Spiny Botanical Marvel

Taxonomy:       

Kingdom:

Plantae

Phylum:

Tracheophytes

Class:

Angiosperms

Class:

Eudicots

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Acanthaceae

Genus:

Acanthus

Species:

A.Spinosus

flora of algeria  Algerian wild plants  Flora of Algeria  Algerian wild plants  flora of Algeria  Flora of Algeria  Flora Algeria  Algerian wild plants

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. spinosus
 

How 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


Type 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

  1. Tell Atlas: Djurdjura Mountains (800m altitude)
  2. Coastal Zones: Sidi Fredj (Algiers), Cap Carbon (Bejaia)
  3. Protected Areas: Taza National Park (observed near streams)

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