Artichoke Cotton-thistle

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Artichoke Cotton-thistle

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Onopordum, specifically as the species Onopordum cynarocephalum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Onopordum cynarocephalum, possesses a specific geographical range within the Middle East. Its distribution is primarily centered in the region of Western Asia. Specifically, it can be found growing throughout the territories of Lebanon and Syria. Additionally, the species is documented to inhabit the landscape of Palestine. These localized areas define the natural habitat where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Onopordum cynarocephalum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, although its development can exhibit variability in its growth stages. As a member of the thistle family, it typically establishes itself through a robust root system that allows it to persist through multiple growing seasons. The plant undergoes a complex developmental cycle that includes vegetative growth, where it develops its distinctive large, spiny leaves and architectural structure, followed by a reproductive phase. During this reproductive stage, it produces large, thistle-like flower heads that are crucial for its continued existence and dispersal. The perennial nature of the species ensures its long-term survival in its natural habitat, providing a stable presence within its ecosystem as it cycles through various stages of maturity and seed production.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Onopordum cynarocephalum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and specifically a large, robust forb. As a terrestrial species, it thrives in land-based environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. The plant functions as an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies toward other vegetation. Structurally, its development is entirely non-woody, lacking the lignified tissue found in shrubs or trees, which is typical for its herbaceous life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Onopordum cynarocephalum is characterized by a metabolic framework primarily governed by the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates how the plant captures and processes carbon dioxide for glucose production. Under this C3 mechanism, the initial fixation of CO2 occurs through the enzyme Rubisco, leading to the formation of a three-carbon compound within the mesophyll cells. This metabolic strategy is typical of many Mediterranean thistle species, allowing the plant to optimize growth in temperate conditions where moisture is seasonally available. The physiological efficiency of this pathway is closely linked to the plant's transpiration rates and its ability to manage stomatal conductance to balance carbon assimilation with water loss. Furthermore, its physiological processes involve complex resource allocation to support its robust structural development and the production of secondary metabolites, which are integrated into its overall survival and reproductive strategies within its native ecological niche.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Onopordum cynarocephalum is centered on the production and dispersal of seeds, which exhibit specific morphological variations in weight. The seed mass of this species shows a measurable range, with a calculated mean seed mass of 0.0174775 g. Within the population, individual seed weights fluctuate, reaching a maximum value of 0.02055 g and a minimum value of 0.0132 g. These quantitative traits are critical to the plant's reproductive success and its ability to establish new individuals within its ecological niche.

Seed mass max:

0.02055 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0174775 g

Seed mass min:

0.0132 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Onopordum cynarocephalum has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Arctigenin, COMPOUND 16, COMPOUND 6, Compound 3, Compound 5.

Arctigenin

1. Planta medica

COMPOUND 16

1. Planta medica

COMPOUND 6

1. Planta medica

Compound 3

1. Planta medica

Compound 5

1. Planta medica

Compound 7

1. Planta medica

Eudesmane

1. Planta medica

Lignans

1. Planta medica

Sesquiterpenes

1. Planta medica

Medicinal Uses

Onopordum cynarocephalum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include melanoma.

Most Reported Uses