Centaurea L.

13 species naturalized Aust.; all states and territories except NT

Erect annuals. Leaves basal and cauline, alternate. Heads solitary or clustered. Involucre globular or ovoid; bracts imbricate in several rows, ending in a prickle or toothed appendage. Florets all tubular; the outer ones often neuter. Receptacle with numerous bristles between the florets. Cypselas glabrous. Pappus of short simple bristles or scales or absent.