We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Sea Holly?

By N. Phipps
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,663
Share

Sea holly, also known as holly mangrove or holly-edged Acanthus, is a shrub-like plant with either purple or white blooms. Its leaves are sharp and prickly, nearly resembling the spiny-edged leaves of holly shrubs. The plant belongs to the genus Acanthus, which is native to parts of India and onwards through Polynesia and Australia. The genus consists of two species: A. ilicifolius and A. ebracteatus.

Normally growing along muddy areas near high tide edges or river banks, sea holly can cover large areas with its adventitious root system, forming thickets or undergrowth within mangroves. The plant may also be found growing beneath trees and occasionally in open areas as well, though it prefers to be located in freshwater areas. Holly mangrove is an interesting plant to say the least with multiple uses.

One of the characteristics that set this shrubby plant aside from other mangrove plants is its salt-secreting trait. Most mangrove plants secrete excess salt at the roots. Sea holly, on the other hand, does not. Instead, its salty sap is emitted through the leaves. This white, crystal-like substance is then washed away by rain or wind.

Holly mangrove has provided a number of traditional or folkloric uses among certain native people groups. For instance, the plant was believed to guard one against snake bites or to ward off evil. The thorny leaves were once used to provoke crying in newborns following birth. Parts of the plant found use in hunting as well. The plant also provided food and cover for some animals.

In addition, sea holly has provided its share of medicinal use. In fact, it has even been called an "Indian medicinal plant” by some. Both species have been used to treat kidney stones by boiling the entire plant and drinking the liquid. Tea made from the leaves was thought to help purify the blood as well as relieve pain.

The leaves from the purple-flowered species, A. ilicifolius, were commonly used as a treatment for rheumatism. Malaysians also sought out the leaves for healing wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows. The crushed seeds from the white-flowering species, A. ebracteatus, were used for treating boils. Both species of sea holly were employed as hair tonics to prevent baldness.

The bark of both species was also employed for medicinal purposes. An extract was given to treat colds and skin conditions brought about by allergic reactions. When ground into powder form, the bark was often used as an antiseptic for wounds. Today, the sea holly plant is being studied for its possible cancer-fighting properties within the liver.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-sea-holly.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.