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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Acanthus mollis.

Material uses

The sub-species A. mollis latifolia makes a good ground cover plant[1]. Relatively slow to cover the ground at first but it can eventually become invasive[2].
There are no material uses listed for Acanthus mollis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The leaves and roots are astringent, detergent, emollient and vulnerary[3][4][5]. The plant contains appreciable quantities of mucilage and tannin. Traditionally it was used as a treatment for dislocated joints and for burns. A paste made from the plant, when applied to a dislocated joint, tends to normalize the affected muscles and ligaments, simultaneously relaxing and tightening them to encourage the joint back into its proper place[5]. The crushed leaves have been used as a poultice to soothe burns and scalds[6]. For internal use, the plant's emollient properties are useful in treating irritated mucous membranes within the digestive and urinary tracts[5].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[7][8] or outside as soon as the seed is ripe[7]. It usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 10°c[7]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for two years before planting out in late spring or early summer[200, K].

Division in spring or autumn[9][8]. Very easy, they can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Root cuttings - winter in a coldframe[9][8].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Acanthus mollis. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a deep loamy soil in a sheltered position in full sun[10] but tolerates partial shade[11][9]. Grows well in heavy clay soils if they are well-drained but dislikes heavy damp soils[9] and will not overwinter in wet soils[8]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[12].

Hardy to about -15°c[13], though young plants may require protection in the winter[12] and even older ones may need protection in cold winters[9]. A very ornamental plant[10]. The leaves can wilt on hot summer days when plants are grown in full sun[12]. Plants can become invasive[2], spreading by suckers, and they are difficult to eradicate due to their deep roots[12]. Does well in the lawn or wild garden[9]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut in the autumn[14].

Members of this genus are not usually browsed by deer[14].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Acanthus mollis. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Acanthus mollis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Acanthus mollis
Genus
Acanthus
Family
Acanthaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.12.2 Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. ISBN 0-304-31089-1 (1989-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.3 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.2 Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.5 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  11. ? Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland. ()
  12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
  13. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  15. ? Polunin. O. Flowers of Greece and the Balkans. Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-217626-9 (1980-00-00)

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