Cynara cardunculus

Cardoon Thistle - Is an edible thistle native to the dry climates of Mediterranean regions. Only the stalks and flower buds are used in cooking in some countries. I photographed these specimens at Praia Da Rocha in Portugal. It has become an invasive weed in some countries yet has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in the United Kingdom.

John Foss Nature Photography Birds Wild Flowers Wildlife Butterflies Moths Greaghnafarna Ballinaglera Ireland Leitrim Derby England UK Algarve Portugal