Cage thistle (Atractylis cancellata, Sp. Pl.: 830 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 830 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Atractylis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Medit. to W. Pakistan and Arabian Pen.

Description

Cage thistle, scientifically known as Atractylis cancellata, is a fascinating member of the Asteraceae family. This perennial plant was first described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753, where it is noted under the entry Sp. Pl.: 830.

Native to a wide geographical range, cage thistle can be found thriving from the Canary Islands across the Mediterranean to Western Pakistan and the Arabian Peninsula. This extensive habitat range speaks to the plant’s adaptability and hardiness in various climates and soil conditions.

One of the defining characteristics of the cage thistle is its distinctive appearance, which is not only striking but also well-suited to its environment. It features robust, spiny foliage and blooms that exhibit a unique kind of beauty, typical of many members within the thistle category. These structural adaptations help the plant deter herbivores and thrive in arid conditions.

Ecologically, cage thistle plays an important role in its native habitats, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological complexity of these regions. Its flowers provide nectar for a variety of pollinators, while the seeds serve as food for different bird species. The plant’s ability to grow in less fertile soils aids in soil stabilization and prevents erosion, showcasing its ecological significance.

In addition to its ecological contributions, cage thistle has also caught the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for its resilience and distinctiveness. Its spiny structure and visual appeal make it a plant of interest for those studying flora in arid and semi-arid environments, as well as for gardeners looking to introduce a touch of the wild into their gardens.

Overall, Atractylis cancellata is a remarkable plant whose presence enriches the landscapes it inhabits, fulfilling critical ecological roles while also captivating those who study and observe it.

Common Names

Spa: cardo enrejado
Deu: gitter-spindelkraut
Eng: grid thistle
En: Cage thistle, Grid Thistle, Distaff Thistle
Ar: جلوة شبكية
Ca: Enreixada
Fi: Kampavärttinäohdake
Fr: Atractyle en treillis, Atractyle grillagé
De: Gitter-Spindelkraut
He: חורשף השבכה
It: Fiore in gabbia, Masticogna annua
Pt: Cardo-coroado
Es: Cardo enrejado
: Grid thistle

Synonyms

• Carthamus cancellatus ((L.) Lam.)
• Crocodilina cancellata ((L.) Bubani)
• Atractylis cancellata var. typica (Maire)
• Atractylis canescens (Salzm. ex Ball)
• Acarna cancellata ((L.) All.)
• Atractylis cancellata subsp. glomerata (Caball.)
• Atractylis cancellata subsp. gaditana (Franco)
• Atractylis glomerata (Caball.)
• Atractylis cancellata var. canescens (Rouy)
• Atractylis caespitosa (Viv.)
• Cirsellium cancellatum ((L.) Gaertn.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Kuwait (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by pitorac dorina (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 9, 2019 by Daoudi Belkacem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 13, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Gianni Franchi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5398279)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:182905-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Atractylis cancellata L.)

Specifications

Growth