Acanthus mollis
Acanthe molle
Bear’s Breeches
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Provence Verte |
| Flower colour | white |
| Flower size | 35-50 mm |
| Flowering months | May, June, July |
| Leaf type | Pinnately lobed |
| Height | 1 m |
Description
Native to the Mediterranean region. The large, sculpted, dark-green leaves are said to have inspired the Greek sculptor, ‘Kallimachos’, for the design of the capital of the Corinthian column.
Flowers
The flowers, 2-lipped, white, lilac or pinkish, are borne in dense spikes, surrounded by 3 greenish/purplish bracts, the central bract carries a spine. Bracts are not part of a flower, they are leaf-like structures just below the flower.
Leaves
Pinnately lobed leaf with lobes both sides of a central midrib. The lobes are arranged on either side of the leaf’s midrib, coarsely serrated, up to 40 cm long, 25 cm wide, glossy.
Fruits Seeds
Capsule: explodes to distribute seeds.
Medical
Leaves: fresh, chopped finely, placed as a compress on burns.
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