Ex Dioscorides: Root used for ruptures, convulsions and as a diuretic.

Ober, R. (ed.) (1996) The National Herb Garden Guide Book. The Herb Society of America

Named for spiny leaves. Dioscorides recommended the roots applied for inflammation and spasms, and -when drunk- to promote urine, check diarrhoea, and for phthysis, ruptures and convulsions.

The leaves are the model for those at the top of Corinthian columns. Tetraglycosides isolated from the plant show cytotoxicity in sea urchin eggs and crown gall tumour on potato disks.

Africa, Northern Africa, Algeria

Asia-Temperate, Western Asia, Turkey

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Albania

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Greece

Europe, Southeastern Europe, Italy