Acanthus mollis   Bear's-breech I

Acanthus mollis on cliffs Acanthus mollis close

Having seen this very tall Mediterranean introduction on cliffs in the south west of England many years ago, I looked out for it on our coastal walk from Mevagissey to Goran Haven. Not far from the Mevagissey harbour a special platform allows the visitor to get a terrific view of the cliffs and there it was. It can grow to well over 2 metres so even from a distance you can see the flowering spikes.

It is dotted around here and there in England but has a stronghold in Cornwall where it is not uncommon at all. There are very few records from Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

Cliffs between Mevagissey and Goran Haven 21st July 2008

Added on 29th July 2008, updated 20th February 2010, updated Se3 22nd April 2010, updated 26th Feb 2012

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