Acanthus (plural: acanthuses (English) or acanthi (Latin):

• In Botany, Acanthus is both a common name and a genus of flowering plant in the Family Acanthaceae. In Europe an Acanthus is a plant (also called Bear's breech) of this genus native to the Mediterranean region and characterized by large spiny leaves and flower spikes bearing white or purplish flowers. Several species (especially A. spinosa and A. mollis) are widely cultivated perennial ornamentals (see horticulture),

• In Architecture, acanthus describes an ornamentation in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders which depicts or resembles foliage of the Acanthus plant. Apparently acanthus plant motifs appear extensively in Medieval, Renaissance artwork, particularly in sculpture and wood carving and in friezes.

• There is a community called Acanthus in Ontario, Canada.

• Acanthus is the name of an ancient Greek city.

• Acantha was a nymph in Greek mythology, associated with the Acanthus plant. He had a sister named Acanthis. (See also Apollo).

• "Acanthus" is the name of an experimental-electronica duo from Port Washington, New York. It's Members are John Mannion and Chris Utzig.

External links

• Plantfacts.com
• Images of Acanthus