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globe thistle
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The discoid head of the globe thistle (Echinops), which is composed of only disk flowers.
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globe thistle

plant
Also known as: Echinops
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The discoid head of the globe thistle (Echinops), which is composed of only disk flowers.
The discoid head of the globe thistle (Echinops), which is composed of only disk flowers.

Globe thistles are a genus of plants (Echinops) belonging to the composite family Asteraceae. These herbs are widely cultivated and originate from Asia and the Mediterranean. They are characterized by their spiky, globe-shaped flowers, which can be blue or white.12

The term "thistle" can refer to various prickly-leaved plants, often with pink or purple flowers. While some thistles are considered troublesome weeds, certain species of globe thistle are grown as ornamental plants. The thistle holds significance as the national emblem of Scotland.2

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