| Distaff thistle | |
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| Flowering specimen of Atractylis gummifera | |
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| Species: | A. gummifera
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| Binomial name | |
| Atractylis gummifera | |
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The distaff thistle, Atractylis gummifera, is a thistle in the Atractylis genus. It is native to the Mediterranean basin.[2] It is a perennial herb producing a stemless, pinkish flower. The plant has a history of use in folk medicine, but it is very toxic due to the presence of atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside.[3] In Morocco, it is a common cause of potentially severe poisoning, with children being especially vulnerable.[4] Accidental ingestion of the plant can be due to confusion with the artichoke thistle, or due to use of its gummy discharge as a chewing gum.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Carlina gummifera (L.) Less". World Flora Online. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- ^ "A thistle in the daisy family". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- ^ Daniele, C.; Dahamna, S.; Firuzi, O.; Sekfali, N.; Saso, L.; Mazzanti, G. (2005-02-28). "Atractylis gummifera L. poisoning: an ethnopharmacological review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 97 (2): 175–181. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.11.025. ISSN 0378-8741. Retrieved 2021-04-07.
- ^ a b Achour, S.; Rhalem, N.; Elfakir, S.; Khattabi, A.; Nejjari, C.; Mokhtari, A.; Soulaymani, A.; Soulaymani, R. (November 2013). "Prognostic factors of Atractylis gummifera L. poisoning, Morocco". Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 19 (11): 953–959. ISSN 1020-3397. PMID 24673087.
Category:Flora of North Africa Category:Cynareae Category:Cynareae stubs