Unusual Leaves and Spines in the Plant ID forum

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hawkarica

Jan 10, 2018 2:17 PM CST

Name: Jim Hawk
Odessa, Florida (Zone 9b)

Can you help me id this plant that was given to me. It came in a three gallon pot but has rooted itself in the ground and is doing quite well. Note the unusual leaf shape and the little thorns that grow from them. It is about three feet tall and seems to be blooming.

Jim

"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it." -- Steven Leacock

| Quote | Post #1618010 (1)

plantladylin

Jan 10, 2018 2:42 PM CST

Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Some Acanthus species have similar thorny leaves too. I'm really curious so I hope someone comes along with an exact ID soon!

~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!

| Quote | Post #1618027 (2)

hawkarica

Jan 10, 2018 2:57 PM CST

Name: Jim Hawk
Odessa, Florida (Zone 9b)

How about Acanthus spinosus?

Jim

"Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it." -- Steven Leacock

| Quote | Post #1618049 (3)

plantladylin

Jan 10, 2018 3:06 PM CST

Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

Bear's Breeches (Acanthus spinosus) does look like a good possibility although the bracts still look different to me ... but that may be due to my poor eyesight.

The MOBOT site lists A. spinosus as zones 5 to 9: http://www.missouribotanicalga...

~ I'm an old gal who still loves playing in the dirt!
~ Playing in the dirt is my therapy ... and I'm in therapy a lot!

| Quote | Post #1618058 (4)

tofitropic

Jan 10, 2018 11:51 PM CST

Name: Tofi
Sumatera, Indonesia

I grow the same (I think) plant, for a long time I was told it was Acanthus ilicifolius, (a native in my area)
But recently someone told me it is Acanthus montanus, (african species)
There are also variegated cultivar, they grow better in shady area, moist soil or even swampy.

| Quote | Post #1618356 (5)

Last edited by Calif_Sue Jan 11, 2018 11:23 AM