A botanical term from the Greek language for thorny point herbacious plant, the Acanthus plant grows throughout the Mediterranean region and has been used as a decorative design motif since the beginning of recorded history in Western civilization. Its flowers and leaves have decorated architectural details in sculpting and painting including column capitals, friezes, and tile works. Its extensive use was at its height during the Roman empire and its elegance has been considered "Classical" ever since - indeed, the Romans were copying the earlier classical Greeks in their use of this element.