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Description
Cichorium Spinosum, also known as prickly chicory, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is commonly found in coastal areas, including the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. The plant has blue flowers, which bloom from May to October. The leaves of this plant have a prickly texture, and the stem is woody and branched.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cichorium |
Appearance
The leaves of Cichorium Spinosum are spiny, oblong, and lobed, with a length of 5-10 cm and a width of 3-6 cm. The flowers are blue, with a diameter of 2.5-3 cm, and they grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The stem is woody, branched, and can grow up to 80 cm in height. The fruit of this plant is an achene, which is about 4 mm long and has a tuft of hairs at one end.
Care Guide
Cichorium Spinosum is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate sandy or rocky soil.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Cichorium Spinosum can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cichorium Spinosum is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it can be affected by some pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and die.
- Whiteflies: These insects can damage the leaves of the plant and weaken it.
- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can affect the leaves of the plant, causing a white powdery coating to appear on them.
Habitat
Cichorium Spinosum is a plant that is commonly found in coastal areas, including the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. It grows in sandy or rocky soil and can tolerate salty conditions. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cichorium Spinosum edible?
A: Yes, the leaves of Cichorium Spinosum are edible and are commonly used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Q: Can Cichorium Spinosum grow indoors?
A: No, Cichorium Spinosum is a plant that prefers to grow outdoors in full sun.
Q: Is Cichorium Spinosum a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Cichorium Spinosum has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Q: Does Cichorium Spinosum attract bees?
A: Yes, the flowers of Cichorium Spinosum are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Cichorium Intybus (Common Chicory)
- Cichorium Endivia (Endive)
- Cichorium Pumilum (Smallflower Blue-eyed Mary)
References
- “Cichorium Spinosum – L.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 27 October 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:194860-1.
- “Prickly Chicory.” Mediterranean Garden Society. Accessed 27 October 2021. https://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/plants/prickly_chicory.html.
- “Cichorium Spinosum.” Floridata. Accessed 27 October 2021. https://floridata.com/Plants/Asteraceae/Cichorium%20spinosum/1267.
