Centaurea calcitrapa

Linn.

Common star thistle, Star thistle, Caltrops

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves, Shoots 5,098 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Centaurea calcitrapa is a species of flowering plant known by several common names, including common star thistle, red star-thistle and purple star thistle. It is native to Europe but is known across the globe as an introduced species and often a noxious weed. The species name calcitrapa comes from the word caltrop, a type of weapon covered in sharp spikes.

Description

An annual plant although it sometimes takes 2 years to complete its life cycle. It forms a bush and is slightly woolly. It grows about 1 m high. The leaves at the base form a ring and are deeply divided into narrow lobes. The stem is pale coloured. It is branched, and hairy when young. It becomes smooth with age. The stem leaves are much divided and they get smaller towards the top of the plant. The flowers are pinkish-purple. They are surrounded by bracts with yellow spines at the ends. These spines can be 2.5 cm long. The plant can send out runners in sandy soil.

Edible Uses

The leaves and young stems can be eaten raw or cooked.

Traditional Uses

The young stems and leaves are eaten raw. They are also boiled and seasoned with olive oil and lemon. They are also used in stews.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The powdered seeds are taken as a drink to treat kidney or bladder stones. The powdered root is reputed to cure fistula and gravel.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in waste places. It will grow in most soils and conditions. It is resistant to drought and frost. It grows in temperate places. Tasmania Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Britain*, Chile, Egypt, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay,

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil and a sunny position. Tolerates dry, low fertility and alkaline soils. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Sow seed in April in a cold frame. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and plant them out during the summer. With sufficient seed, it can also be sown directly in situ during August or September.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 450 Centaurea species.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Leaves	91	106	25	2.4	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Calcitrapa calcitrapoides (L.)Calitrapa hypophaestum Gaertn.and many others

Also Known As

Abrepuno colorado, Abriojos, Cardo abriojos, Obriulls, Sciaccablisci

References (19)

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Bidak, L. M., et al, 2015, Goods and services provided by native plants in desert ecosystems: Examples from the northwestern coastal desert of Egypt. Global Ecology and Conservation 3 (2015) 433–447
Biscotti, N. et al, 2018, The traditional food use of wild vegetables in Apulia (Italy) in the light of Italian ethnobotanical literature. Italian Botanist 5:1-24
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 455
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 234

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Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 178
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