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Syrian acanthus

Scientific Name: Acanthus syriacus

Family: Acanthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acanthus syriacus: An In-Depth Look

Acanthus syriacus, commonly known as Syrian Acanthus or Syrian Bear's Breeches, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and distinct characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant's leaves are described as spiny and lobed, and seed collection is mentioned as difficult due to hard, sharp spines.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Acanthus syriacus Boiss.
  • Common Names:
    • Syrian Acanthus
    • Syrian Bear's Breeches
  • Other Names: It is known as Kotsitz Suri (&#1511&#1493&#1510&#1497&#1509 &#1505&#1493&#1512&#1497) and charl (&#1495&#1512&#1493&#1500) in Hebrew, and various names in Arabic, including &#1588&#1608&#1603 &#1570&#1601 &#1575&#1604&#1583&#1576 and &#1603&#1614&#1601&#1617 &#1575&#1604&#1583&#1615&#1617&#1576ّ. The Arabic common name is kaff al-Deb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Acanthus dioscoridis var. perringii. Also, Acanthus hirsutus subsp. syriacus (Boiss.) Brummitt is listed as a Basionym.
  • Taxonomic Serial Number: 506053

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the high mountains of Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, and found across the eastern Mediterranean.
  • Specifically mentioned as native to Israel and Syria.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Characterized by short, stickery flower spikes of rose-purple and white, reaching approximately 16 inches in height.
  • Leaves are described as large, spiny, and lobed.
  • In spring, it assumes a yellow coloring.
  • Evergreen plant.
  • Grows to an average height of 18 inches (45 cm) and a width of 2 feet (60 cm).

Quirky Facts

  • Seed collecting is described as particularly difficult due to the plant's hard and sharp spines.
  • Some believe it could be one of the thistles mentioned in the Bible.

Further Information

  • Information can be found on Dave's Garden, Flowers of Israel, and the International Plant Names Index.
  • The USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database may contain photos and additional details.