As classified by the Department of Conservation’s consolidated list of environmental weeds, Acanthus mollis is a naturalised herbaceous exotic.

Surely the most consummate of weeds, the acanthus entwines its way throughout Western art history; its stylised floral motif appearing on Corinthian columns, William Morris tapestries and carved colonial furniture. In decorative form and botanical physicality, this prolific plant has migrated from Western Europe and taken root in Grey Lynn gardens.