Acanthus mollis Bear's breeches (Acanthaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Acanthus mollis
Bear's breeches
(1 Page of 5)

The Acanthus mollis plant species is found in Europe - Italy. Naturalized in Britain in W. Cornwall[17]. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bear's breeches. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. latifolius.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Acanthus mollis
Common Name:  Bear's breeches
Family:  Acanthaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.6

Habitat:  Woodland scrub and stony hillsides[45].

Medicinal Information: The leaves and roots are astringent, detergent, emollient and vulnerary[7, 61, 254]. 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[254]. For internal use, the plant's emollient properties are useful in treating irritated mucous membranes within the digestive and urinary tracts[254].

For further Acanthus mollis gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future