Category:Acanthus

A*can"thus, n.; pl. E. Acanthuses, L. Acanthi. Etym: [L., from Gr. Acantha.]

1. (Bot.)

Defn: A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.

2. (Arch.)

Defn: An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.

The shape of these leaves has been used for the purpose of ornamentation of Corinthian capitals in architecture and in leather carving.

Acanthus and Bear's breeches are names given to these perennial plants with spiny leaves and flower spikes bearing white or purplish flowers. They vary in size form 1.3 feet to 6.6 feet (0.4 to 2 meters) in height.

They are native to tropical and warm temperate regions with the greatest diversity in species around the Mediterranean Sea and in Asia.

Asterids Order:Lamiales Family:Acanthaceae Subfamily:Acanthoideae Tribe:Acantheae Genus:Acanthus