Artichoke Thistle - Mature Seed Head
Cynara cardunculus
Artist: Sue Boxshall
Painting - Medium Information
Estimated time taken to complete painting: 2 months
Water colour paint - Windsor and Newton
Painted on Acid Free 300gm Arche water colour paper
Painted with Windsor and Newton series 7 watercolour brushes
UnFramed 27cm(w) x 32cm(h)
Matted: Archival Quality Boards
Weight Unframed approximately 300grams
Plant Information
Natural Habitat Native to the Mediterranean Basin, it also grows in different parts of California, South America and Australia. This perennial commonly known as the cardoon is a member of the Asteraceae, the second largest family of flowering plants.
Specimen found in 2008.
My husband remembered fields of these thistles when he lived in Sunshine in the western suburbs of Melbourne as a boy. We took a trip and found a few mature seed heads growing along the roadside.
Artichoke thistle is highly invasive and is able to adapt to dry climates. It is an important weed of poorer pastures, occasionally Lucerne and crops and once established usually dominates the vegetation of an area. It is regionally controlled and prohibited in many parts of Victoria, Australia.
Cynara Cardunculus is an invasive weed in many areas but in others is cultivated as a culinary specialty. The flower buds can be eaten much like an artichoke, the stalks steamed or braised. The main roots can be boiled and served cold. They are often used as a vegetarian source of enzymes for cheese production.
The artist has copyright
Pickup or Delivery available if within a reasonable distance from Melbourne
Packaging and postage costs vary depending on destination if postage is required.
Worldwide postage available on arrangement
Painting Current Location: Victoria, Saftey Beach
Botanical Information
