Citation: Adans., (L.)Gaertner, Fruct. 2:378 (1791).

Derivation: Latin sillybus, used by Pliny as the name of some species of thistle.

Synonymy: Carduus marianus L., Sp. Pl. 823 (1753).

Common name: Variegated thistle.

Description:
Herbs and shrubs; leaves opposite.

Capitula homogamous, usually numerous in a corymbose panicle; involucral bracts in 1-many series, free; receptacle naked or with small scales; all florets bisexual, fertile, tubular with long narrow corolla lobes; anthers obtuse at the base; style more or less pubescent below; style branches not flattened, with conspicuous terminal appendages.

Achenes all similar, angular or ribbed; pappus usually of bristles.

Published illustration: Parsons (1973) Noxious weeds of Victoria, p. 85.

Distribution:  About 160 genera mainly native to North and South America.   All States except the N.T.   Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available