Observation-guide
Bracts and flowers in the heads of wild artichoke (*Cynara cardunculus*)
Observation guide to distinguish the involucral bracts from the tubular flowers and follow their arrangement in a head.
Identity and head characteristics
Wild artichoke (*Cynara cardunculus*) has heads of 5-8 x 4.5-6 cm, terminal, with triangular bracts arranged in several rows, ending in a thick spine, with blue-purple flowers [9560]. The plant has a large rosette of very divided, pinnatifid leaves, with yellowish and whitish spines due to its silky hairs [9560]. These features allow it to be distinguished from the common artichoke, as the cardoon does not have such divided leaves and has no spines on the leaves or heads [9560].
Responsible observation
To observe the involucral bracts and tubular flowers in their arrangement within the head, it is possible to document these features without collecting the plant [9560]. Identification is based on the presence of spines on the bracts and the blue-purple coloration of the flowers, characteristics that differ from other species of the genus [9560].
Sources and method
This story synthesises the references below and separates possible observations from conclusions that would need more evidence. It does not present original FaunaGuide fieldwork or replace expert identification.
- Cynara cardunculus L. — Cynara cardunculus L. AR, CN, NC), cardo alcachofa, cardo alcachofero (CN, PV), cardencha, alcachofa silvestre (AN, CN), alcachofa borde (AN, MC), alcachofa de campo, alcachofa real (AN), alcachofera, alcachofero salvaje (CN), alcachofera borde; hierba de