PLANT PORN: THE CARDOON

Words by Jessica Peace

LOOK AT THE SEED HEAD ON THAT...

NAMECHECK: CYNARA CARDUNCULUS

Or common name - the globe thistle/ prickly artichoke.

‘Cyn’ is nabbed from the Greek word ‘kyon’ meaning ‘dog’; the spikes on the flower head look a bit like dog’s gnashers.

THE ROOTS

From the Asteraceae family - its cousins are daisies and the Old Man is a sunflower; the cardoon has been brought over to Blighty from Club Med and still likes a sunbathe and a sangria so don’t disappoint.

THE DEETS

If you’ve got a garden, patch or massive pot then shove one in. If not, this sexy, spike ball looks rad in arrangements and terrariums mate.