Acanthus spinosus is a widedespread eastern Mediterraenan perennial plant which can grow as tall as 80cm in abandoned fields, rocky places, olive groves and along roadsides. Its leaves are thistle-like and the flowers form a dense spike at the top of an erect stem.
It can grow as tall as 80cm and flowers in May and June at altitudes up to 800 metres.
I have no idea why they are commonly called Bear's breeches.
A close relative of this plant (not found in Crete) Acanthus mollis was used in architectural decoration of classical Greece on columns, scrolls and murals.
