Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Ptilostemon afer (Jacq.) Greuter (1967)
Synonymy:
  • Carduus afer Jacq.
  • Chamaepeuce afra (Jacq.) DC.
Vernacular Name(s):
Grecian thistle
 Description

Biennial to monocarpic perennial. Stems erect, branched above, with subappressed to felted cobwebby tomentum, 20–50–(100) cm tall. Lvs narrowly oblong, pinnatifid, green and subglabrous above, densely white-tomentose beneath, 7–20 × 1.5–4 cm; lobes narrowly triangular, usually 2–3-fid to base; prickles pale, 5–12 mm long. Capitula broadly ovoid, erect, 3–4 × 2.5–3.5 cm, pedunculate. Involucral bracts all narrowly deltoid, with sparse cobwebby hairs; midrib stout; apex tapering gradually to a spine; marginal spines in 1–3 pairs; outer bracts strongly reflexed; middle and inner bracts erect. Corolla purple, c. 25 mm long; lobes c. 5 mm long. Style shortly exserted beyond corolla lobes. Achenes brown, broadly obovoid, 4–4.5 × 3 mm; pappus 15–20 mm long; cilia on pappus bristles 2–3 mm long.

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

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Dec.–Jan.; Fruiting: Jan.–Feb.