Acanthus ilicifolius
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Acanthaceae
Genus:	Acanthus
Species:	A. ilicifolius
Binomial name
Acanthus ilicifolius L.
Synonyms
Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl var. xiamenensis (R.T.Zhang) C.Y.Wu & C.C.Hu Acanthus xiamensis R.T.Zhang

Acanthus ilicifolius, commonly known as holly-leaved acanthus, sea holly, and holy mangrove, is a species of shrubs or herbs, of the plant family Acanthaceae, native to Australia, Australasia, and Southeast Asia. It is used as medicine in asthma and rheumatism.^[2]

Description

The plant grows as a shrub, up to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall. It has shallow tap roots and occasionally develops a stilt root. Fruits are kidney-shaped.^{[citation needed]}

Distribution and habitat

The species is widespread Southeast Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia. It occurs in mangrove habitats.^[1]