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cardoon

Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus)

The cardoon, also known as artichoke thistle, cardone, cardoni, carduni, or cardi, is a striking thistle-like plant with a rich history and culinary uses. This lesser-known relative of the globe artichoke boasts architectural splendor and is a popular leafstalk vegetable in the Mediterranean region.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant features spiny leaves that could potentially cause discomfort if handled.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant features spiny leaves that could potentially cause discomfort if handled.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus
  • Common Names: Cardoon, Artichoke Thistle, Cardone, Cardoni, Carduni, Cardi
  • Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
  • Genus: Cynara
  • Synonyms: Cynara cardunculus Cardoon

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Mediterranean area, from Morocco and Portugal to Libya and Croatia.
  • Found in the wild along the Mediterranean.
  • Grows in stony or waste places and in dry grassland.

Ecological Role

  • Considered by some to be an invasive weed.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A robust herbaceous perennial, growing up to 2.5 meters.
  • Forms a clump of silvery-grey, pinnatifid, spiny leaves up to 1 meter in length.
  • Large, prickly, almost dagger-shaped gray-green arching leaves.
  • Globose purple flower-heads that flower from June to September.
  • Grown for crispy edible stalks and mid-ribs.
  • Requires full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Quirky Facts

  • Cardoons are considered to taste like artichoke hearts, with a flavour resembling a nutty celery.
  • In Italian, cardoon is called "cardo".
  • Cardoons are sometimes described as looking like "prehistoric celery".

Uses

  • Grown for its edible stalks, which are eaten like celery. Stems are tied to blanch them.
  • Succulent stalks have a unique, artichoke-like flavor.
  • Can be eaten raw or fried.
  • The young stewed leaves are also valued as a vegetable.
  • Ornamental plant with bold texture and statuesque form.