Cynara scolymus L.

Perennial herb 1–(2) m tall. Stems stout, ridged, with cobwebby hairs. Rosettes tufted, withering at fruiting. Basal lvs deeply pinnatifid, 30–60 × 15–40 cm; lobes lanceolate, becoming smaller towards base, glabrescent above, with cobwebby hairs beneath, viscid; midrib stout, ridged; spines usually 0 or sometimes fine, marginal, 2–3 mm long. Stem lvs similar to basal, the upper becoming smaller and less deeply divided. Capitula usually solitary, (7)–8–12 cm diam. Involucre globose to hemispheric; outer and middle bracts fleshy, ovate, with a suberect, emarginate-mucronate or cuspidate appendage; inner bracts oblong, with a scarious, ovate to lanceolate, mucronate appendage. Corolla 50–65 mm long; lobes lilac or blue. Style long-exserted, with base of stigma branches glabrous. Achenes 6–9 × 3–5 mm, obovoid, pale, usually spotted. Pappus 30–50 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Feb.–Mar.; Fruiting: Mar.