Acanthus mollis, commonly known as bear's breeches, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is renowned for its oversized, glossy foliage and its showy flower spikes, which are often used in architectural ornamentation and garden design. While Acanthus mollis is the plant's scientific name, it also has several synonyms in common use. These include Acanthus latifolius, Acanthus spinoissimus, and Acanthus longifolius. Each of these names refers to a slightly different variety of bear's breeches, often with unique characteristics in terms of growth habit, flower size, and leaf shape. Regardless of the variety, Acanthus mollis remains a symbol of beauty and elegance in gardens around the world.