Cynara L.

2 species naturalized Aust.; all states and territories except NT, Tas.

*Cynara scolymus L.

Coarse, tufted perennial up to 2 m high. Leaves basal and cauline, pinnatisect with spinose tips to the lobes, up to 80 cm long. Heads globular, usually solitary, up to 15 cm diam.; bracts in several rows often with short spinose tips. Florets numerous, purplish blue. Cypselas c. 6 mm long. Pappus of unequal brown hairs 3–4 cm long. Naturalized in a few places throughout the area. Introd. from the Mediterranean. Fl. summer. Globe Artichoke