acanthaceous
adj.adj. having leaves that are shaped like the spiny leaves of a holly tree. This describes a specific type of leaf shape found in some plants.
adj. having leaves with a spiny, prickly margin or surface, typically resembling the foliage of the genus Acanthus. Often used in botanical descriptions to specify leaf texture or edge characteristics.
The plant has acanthaceous leaves with sharp edges.
The botanist noted that the specimen featured acanthaceous foliage, which helped identify it as a member of the Acanthaceae family.
While many plants in the garden have smooth, broad leaves, this particular species exhibits acanthaceous characteristics, providing a striking contrast with its serrated, spiny margins.
From translingual Acanthaceae + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 26, 2026