Acanthus ilicifolius, commonly known as holly-leaved acanthus, sea holly, and holy mangrove, is a species of shrubs or herbs, of the plant family Acanthaceae, native to Australia, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. It is used as medicine in asthma and rheumatism.[2]

Acanthus ilicifolius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Acanthus
Species:
A. ilicifolius
Binomial name
Acanthus ilicifolius
Synonyms
  • Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl var. xiamenensis (R.T.Zhang) C.Y.Wu & C.C.Hu
  • Acanthus xiamensis R.T.Zhang

Description edit

 
From Kerala, India

The plant grows as a shrub, up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall. It has shallow tap roots and occasionally develops a stilt root. Fruits are kidney-shaped.[citation needed]

Distribution and habitat edit

The species is widespread Southeast Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia. It occurs in mangrove habitats.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Juffe Bignoli, D. (2011). "Acanthus ilicifolius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T168780A6536949. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T168780A6536949.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ Pharmacographica indica page 58

Further reading edit

External links edit

  Media related to Acanthus ilicifolius at Wikimedia Commons