Acanthus mollis L. (W-Medit.) – A very rare but slightly increasing, locally naturalized escape from cultivation. Known since ca. 1998 from a foot of a wall in Ombret-Rausa (Amay) (Duvigneaud & Saintenoy-Simon 1999). In 2011 discovered on a shady talus slope of an abandoned clay pit in Boom (ca. five individuals). In the same year also seen in relative abundance at the old city walls of Tongeren (close to a plantation but profusely self-seeding). In these localities, Acanthus mollis seems more or less established. Plants of Acanthus (this species or one of its hybrids) were also recorded in the 1990’s on waste land at the city walls in Brugge, apparently as an ephemeral throw-out but their identity was never verified. Occasionally seen elsewhere or perhaps sometimes neglected or overlooked, for instance as a relic in or near estates.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
References
Duvigneaud J. &Saintenoy-Simon J. (1999) Une excursion à Ombret-Rausa (Amay, province de Liège, Belgique). Adoxa23: 29-32.
Ribbons B.W.(1953) Acanthus mollis L. in St Agnes, Isles of Scilly.Watsonia2: 392-393.
Stearn W.T.(1996)The tortuous tale of 'Bears Breech', the puzzling book name for Acanthus mollis. Gard. Hist.24(1): 1-4.
Watts D. (1991) Bears Breech.Plant-Lore Notes & News21: 95.