Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Cynara cardunculus - The Globe Artichoke


Blooming Artichoke, originally uploaded by RemyOmar.

Favourite foods can take us by surprise when viewed in an unfamiliar context.

Artichokes - a favourite of mine - are actually the heads of a large (1.5-2 m tall), immature thistle. If left unharvested, they will bloom.

A Mediterranean native, Cynara cardunculus is considered invasive in the southern United States. Efforts are being made to eradicate the alien and replace it with native species.


Alien Invasion, originally uploaded by acastellano.

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