Maltese centaury (Centaurea melitensis, Sp. Pl.: 917 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 917 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Centaurea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.

Description

The Maltese centaury, scientifically known as Centaurea melitensis, is a striking plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. First described in the seminal botanical tome “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this resilient species has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Native to the regions of Macaronesia and the Mediterranean, the Maltese centaury thrives in these biodiversity-rich areas, adapting well to their unique climates. The plant is characterized by its hardy nature and vibrant blooms, making it a distinct presence among the flora of these regions.

Centaurea melitensis exhibits typical features of the Asteraceae family, including its composite flowers, which combine multiple small florets into a single, eye-catching blossom. These flowers come in bright hues that range from yellows to purples, providing a splash of color in its native habitats.

This plant is not only valued for its beauty but also for its importance within its ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in local biodiversity, supporting various pollinators and contributing to the maintenance of the ecological balance. The Maltese centaury’s adaptability and resilience further underscore its significance, thriving despite the challenges posed by changing climates and human activities.

In summary, the Maltese centaury (Centaurea melitensis) is a remarkable member of the Asteraceae family, noteworthy for its vibrant appearance and ecological importance in the Macaronesian and Mediterranean regions. Its enduring presence since its first description in 1753 reflects its vital role in the natural world.

Common Names

Spa: hierba de cristo, abrepuño, abrepuño-amarillo, cardo-de-malta, flor-del-minero
Eng: malta starthistle, maltese star-thistle, maltese centaury, maltese cockspur, maltese star thistle, maltese thistle, napa thistle, cockspur thistle, spotted knapweed, tocalote, wild irishman, yellow cockspur, maltese starthistle, malta thistle, maltese knapweed
Deu: malteser flockenblume
Dan: malteser-knopurt
Por: cardo-amarelo
Fra: centaurée de malte, croix de malte
Ces: chrpa maltská
Swe: maltaklint
Hun: máltai imola
Cym: pengaled seraidd malta, ysgallen seraidd felitaidd
En: Maltese centaury, Maltese cockspur, Maltese star thistle, Maltese thistle, Cockspur thistle, Tocalote, Yellow cockspur, Napa thistle, Wild Irishman, Maltese star-thistle, Yellow centaurea, Malta starthistle, Spotted knapweed, Maltese starthistle, Malta thistle, Maltese knapweed
Ar: قنطريون مالطي
Ca: Oriola
Cs: Chrpa maltská
Da: Malteser-knopurt
Fi: Maltankaunokki
Fr: Croix de Malte, Centaurée de Malte, Coix de Malte
De: Malteser Flockenblume, Malta-Flockenblume, Malteser Ackerblume, Malteserdistel
Hu: Máltai imola
It: Fiordaliso maltese
Pt: Beija-mão, Cardo-beija-na-mão, Centaúrea-de-malta, Cardo-amarelo
Pt-br: Centáurea-estrela-de-malta
Es: Abrepuño amarillo, Abrepuño, Cardo de Malta, Flor del minero, Hierba de cristo, Abrepuño-amarillo, Cardo-de-malta, Flor-del-minero, Abrepuños amarillo, Tocalote
Sv: Maltaklint
Cy: Pengaled seraidd Malta, Ysgallen Seraidd Felitaidd

Synonyms

• Centaurea melitensis f. apula ((Lam.) Cout.)
• Calcitrapa conferta (Moench)
• Calcitrapa melitensis ((L.) Soják)
• Solstitiaria melitensis (Hill)
• Centaurea patibilcensis ((Kunth) F.Dietr.)
• Calcitrapa sessiliflora (Lam.)
• Calcitrapa patibilcensis (Kunth)
• Centaurea sessiliflora (Lam.)
• Centaurea glomerata (Webb & Berthel.)
• Seridia melitensis (Sweet)
• Triplocentron melitense ((L.) Cass.)
• Triplocentron apulum (Cass.)
• Cyanus melitensis (Gaertn.)
• Centaurea americana (Spreng.)
• Centaurea congesta (Willd. ex DC.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Corse (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Selvagens (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Nevada (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2017 by Dolores Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2017 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2017 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Julián Díaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2021 by mohamed said mohamed said (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by janakova monika (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2021 by Mamen Sasevi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Botasy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 29, 2022 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© 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.

Fruit

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by garcia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 17, 2020 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2020 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2018 by Thijs Van Erp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Victor Camús (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2012 by EOL − Valter Jacinto (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 3, 2019 by I Tra (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3128091)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:190991-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Centaurea melitensis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth