pronounced: ah-kan-THAY-see-eye
Acanthaceae is derived from the Greek ακανθα (akantha), a thorn, thistle. Most members of the family are herbs or shrubs, including twining forms. The leaves are simple, opposite and decussate, and there are no stipules. The bisexual flowers are zygomorphic, and there are often brightly-coloured bracts. The ovary has 2 carpels. There is usually an annular nectary disk around the base of the ovary. The fruit is very often an elastically dehiscent capsule with locules. The stalk of the seed is modified into a hook-shaped projection which assists in seed dispersal.