Japanese name: アーティチョーク Scientific name:Cynara scolymus
[Overview]
A perennial growing 1.5–2 m tall.
It is not known in the wild and is thought to be a species of cultivated origin.
The leaves are alternate and deeply pinnately divided, with dense, fine white hairs on the underside.
The flowers bloom from June to September.
A single flower is borne at the stem tip; it is 10–15 cm across, shaped like an Azami, and pale purple.
[History]
In Japan there are records of its cultivation in the middle of the Edo period, but it did not become widespread.
[Uses]
It is known for its edible buds and is a familiar vegetable in Europe.
The scale-like involucral bracts are fleshy, and young buds are harvested so that this part can be eaten.
[Cultivation]
Propagation is almost entirely by suckers, but it is also possible from seed.
It is cold-tolerant, but in regions with heavy frost it needs protection from the cold.
Care is also needed against summer humidity and dryness.
