Onopordum illyricum L.

Spice Capitulum detail In the field

Family: COMPOSITAE (ASTERACEAE)

Genus: Onopordum

Catalan common name: Bufassa illírica.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Grazed fields.

Characteristics: This is one of the more numerous thistles in the islands, can grow up to a metre and a half in height. Can be identified by its stems that are covered with spiny wings that make it very difficult to even get close enough to touch them. The capitula are very large, with purple flowers with out turned spiny bracts. Onopordon macracanthum differs from this species as the capitulum spines are much larger in the former species. Lives in dry-farmed fields and although not usual, can be invasive in some areas. Flowers from May until July.