Ethiopian acanthus
Acanthus sennii
Family: Acanthaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
It is an at risk species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It needs a well drained soil. It grows between 1,700-3,200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Ethiopia
How it is used for food
The nectar from the flowers is sucked by children.
Edible parts
Nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kosheshle, Koshosha, Kosoruu, Kushashile, Kusheshilie