| Citation |
Juffe Bignoli, D. 2011. Acanthus ilicifolius. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T168780A6536949. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T168780A6536949.en. Downloaded on 15 April 2021. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
This aquatic plant is locally common in the river banks or tidal canal sides or low swampy areas of mangrove forests from South India and Sri Lanka to Indochina, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia, but scarce in Malaysia. It faces no major threats although the global population trend is not known. It is listed as Least Concern.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
Widespread from South India and Sri Lanka to Indochina, Indonesia, the Philippines and northern Australia, but scarce in Malaysia. Common in the mangroves of south China (i.e. Pearl River Delta, China).
DESCRIPTION
It is widespread in mangrove habitats but no population information is available.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
It commonly grows on the river banks or tidal canal sides or low swampy areas in the mangrove forests and its vicinity.
THREATS
The species is decreasing with destruction of mangrove habitats but there are no formal studies on species population decline.
USE AND TRADE
This plant can be used as medicine for neuralgia and rheumatism. Several authors have described the chemical properties of this species and its use in China (Peng and Long 2006, Liu and Lin 2008). The root (boiled in mustard oil) is used in paralysis of limbs; water extracted from the bark is used to treat colds and skin allergies.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
No conservation measures are in place. The plant is not considered to be in risk of extinction (Yu et al. 1998). |
