Masticogna laticifera
Atractylis gummifera

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A low thistle like plant. It is stout but stem-less. The plant is hairy in parts. The leaves are oblong and divided into leaflets along the stalk. There are spines at the tip. The stalks sheath at the base. The flower-heads are purple or pink. They are 30-70 mm along. They occur singly. The middle flower bracts have 3 spines at the tip.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in dry habitats. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Europe, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia

How it is used for food

The flowers are eaten boiled or in stew. The tender sprouts with young leaves are used in stews.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Card santo

Synonyms

Carlina gummifera