acantha
n.n. a type of plant that grows in the wild and has small, sharp leaves. It is also the name of a plant family that includes these types of plants.
n. a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, characterized by small, sharp leaves and umbel-shaped flowers. It is also used to refer to the broader family of plants to which these species belong.
The acantha plant grows well in shady gardens.
Botanists often study the acantha family to understand how certain plants have evolved to survive in dry, rocky environments.
While the acantha is primarily a wild plant, its unique foliage and delicate flowers have made it a popular choice for ornamental gardens in temperate climates.
From Ancient Greek ἄκανθα (ákantha, “thorn”), from ἀκή (akḗ, “point”) + ἄνθος (ánthos, “flower”).