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Description
Acanthomintha Ilicifolia, also called San Diego Thornmint, is a perennial plant species that is native to southern California in the United States. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and has a strong, minty aroma. The plant generally grows up to 2 feet tall and is characterized by its spiny, dark green leaves and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Acanthomintha |
Appearance
The Acanthomintha Ilicifolia plant has dark green, spiny leaves that are about 1 inch long and 0.25 inch wide. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and have a rough texture. The plant produces small, white or pink flowers that are about 0.25 inch long and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by small, brown seeds.
Care Guide
Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is an easy plant to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and requires little watering, but should be watered deeply when the soil becomes dry. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be applied in the spring. Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is generally pest and disease resistant, but can occasionally be affected by spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is native to southern California and can be found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It grows in rocky, sandy soil and can tolerate drought and wildfire.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acanthomintha Ilicifolia be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, Acanthomintha Ilicifolia can be propagated by cuttings taken in the summer.
Q: Is Acanthomintha Ilicifolia edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of Acanthomintha Ilicifolia can be used as a seasoning in cooking and have a minty flavor.
Q: Is Acanthomintha Ilicifolia a threatened species?
A: Yes, Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is a California state-listed threatened species due to habitat loss and degradation.
Q: Does Acanthomintha Ilicifolia attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Acanthomintha Ilicifolia is pollinated by bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Acanthomintha lanceolata
- Acanthomintha obovata
- Acanthomintha ilicifolia subsp. davidsonii
References
- “Acanthomintha Ilicifolia.” CalFlora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Acanthomintha+ilicifolia
- “Acanthomintha Ilicifolia.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ACIL2
- “San Diego Thornmint.” Center for Plant Conservation. https://saveplants.org/collection/acanthomintha-ilicifolia/
