Scolymus

Description

Scolymus, commonly known as the golden thistle or the common golden thistle, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value, medicinal properties, and use in culinary dishes. The plant grows up to a height of 60-90 cm and has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and spiny. The flowers are yellow and appear in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant has a long taproot that helps it survive in dry and arid conditions.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of the Scolymus plant are deeply lobed and spiny and can grow up to 30 cm in length. They are a bright green color and have a glossy surface. The stem of the plant is erect and can grow up to a height of 60-90 cm. The flowers are yellow and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. They have a diameter of 3-5 cm and consist of both ray and disk flowers. The plant has a long taproot that is brown in color.

Care Guide

Scolymus is a hardy plant that can grow in a range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant requires moderate watering and should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. It prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Scolymus can grow in hardiness zones 7-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Scolymus is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Scolymus is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found growing in dry and arid conditions. It is commonly cultivated in gardens and can also be found growing in the wild. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a range of soil types.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Scolymus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Scolymus can be grown in containers as long as they are deep enough to accommodate the long taproot.

Q: What is the medicinal value of Scolymus?
A: Scolymus has been traditionally used for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties.

Q: Is Scolymus edible?
A: Yes, the leaves of Scolymus are edible and are used in Mediterranean cuisine.

Q: How often should Scolymus be fertilized?
A: Scolymus should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.

Related Plants

• Cynara scolymus
• Onopordum acanthium
• Centaurea solstitialis
• Centaurea calcitrapa

References

• “Scolymus hispanicus L.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science.
• “Scolymus.” Flora Europaea.
• Marrelli M, et al. “Scolymus hispanicus L., a Mediterranean traditional vegetable with multifunctional medicinal properties.” Journal of Medicinal Food, vol. 17, no. 10, 2014, pp. 1105-1112.