Acanthus mollis L. (Acanthaceae)
Etymology: from the Greek ἄκανϑος (ακή: point, needle; ἄνϑος: flower), referring to the small thorny leaves around the flowers. Mollis is from Latin, meaning soft or flexible — a reference to the plant’s soft, non-spiny leaves, unlike those of other species.
Origin: It is impossible to determine where the plant is actually wild, as it has been cultivated for ornamental purposes since ancient times. In fact, it’s commonly found throughout Rome’s villas and parks.
Myth related to the plant: In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph loved by Apollo. When she didn’t return his feelings and scratched his face, the god transformed her into the acanthus plant.
I took these pictures today at Villa Borghese.
Sources:
https://www.actaplantarum.org/flora/flora_info.php?id=12172
https://dryades.units.it/torlonia/index.php?procedure=taxon_page&id=5070&num=5059















