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Description
Cynara Humilis, also known as the artichoke thistle, is a species of thistle native to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter tall and has a spread of up to 1.5 meters. The plant produces striking blue-purple flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The leaves of Cynara Humilis are large, deeply lobed, and silver-green in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Cynara |
Appearance
The artichoke thistle, Cynara Humilis, is a large plant with a distinctive appearance. The leaves are deeply lobed and silver-green in color, with a slightly prickly texture. The flowers are striking blue-purple and measure up to 5 cm in diameter. The plant produces a large, globe-shaped seed head that is covered in sharp, spiky bracts.
Care Guide
Cynara Humilis is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your artichoke thistle healthy and thriving:
Water: Cynara Humilis prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate periods of drought. However, it is important to water the plant regularly during the growing season to ensure that the soil stays moist.
Fertilization: Fertilize Cynara Humilis once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Soil: The artichoke thistle prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight: Cynara Humilis prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is important to ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Cynara Humilis is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Cynara Humilis is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for:
Pests: The artichoke thistle can be attacked by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To control these pests, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases: Cynara Humilis can suffer from fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, make sure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Habitat
Cynara Humilis is native to the Mediterranean region, where it can be found growing in rocky, dry habitats such as hillsides and cliffs. The plant is adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can you eat Cynara Humilis?
A: Yes, the artichoke thistle is edible. The young leaves and tender stems can be cooked and eaten like spinach, and the flower buds can be boiled or steamed and eaten like artichokes.
Q: How long does Cynara Humilis live?
A: Cynara Humilis is a perennial plant that can live for several years if cared for properly.
Q: Is Cynara Humilis invasive?
A: The artichoke thistle can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to check with your local authorities before planting it in your garden.
Q: Can you grow Cynara Humilis in a container?
A: Yes, Cynara Humilis can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may also be interested in:
- Cynara cardunculus
- Cirsium vulgare
- Silybum marianum
- Onopordum acanthium
References
- “Cynara humilis L.” Plants of the World Online. Kew Science.
- “Artichoke Thistle (Cynara humilis).” Gardenia.net.
- “Cynara humilis.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
