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Atractylis carduus (Forssk.) C.Chr.

الجلوة

Syn. Centaurea carduus Forssk.

Yellow Distaff Thistle
Asteraceae
  • Morphological Description
    • Description

      Biennial to perennial thistle-like herb, 20–50 cm, spiny throughout. Stems erect, branched, with rigid spinescent wings. Leaves pinnatisect, segments ending in sharp spines, surface pubescent. Capitula solitary, terminal, with purple to pink tubular florets. Involucral bracts rigid, spiny, forming a protective cage. Achenes cylindric, with long pappus bristles aiding wind dispersal.

  • Habitat and Distribution
    • Geographical Distribution Range

      This Saharo-Arabian species is distributed in Sahara and Middle east from Morroco to India and Syria and Pakistan. Within the Arabian Peninsula, it is native to Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Gulf States and Yemen.

  • Ecology
    • Phenology
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      Flowering
      Fructification
    • IUCN Red List Category
      Not Evaluated IUCN Icon
      Not Evaluated
    • Remarks

      This species includes six accepted varieties, but only one present in Saudi Arabia: Atractylis carduus var. carduus (Forssk.) C.Chr.

Gallery
Atractylis carduus flowers
Whole plant
Whole plant
Whole plant
Whole plant
Whole plant