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

             

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)