Status:
valid
Authors:
(Vahl) Lack
Source:
gcc
Year:
1975
Citation Micro:
Taxon 24(1): 111. 1975 [Feb 1975]; (1975)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000041746
Common Names
- Helminthotheca Aculeata
- Common Thistle
- Spiny Thistle
Synonyms
- Helminthia aculeata (Vahl) Desf. [deprecated]
- Helminthia mucronata Terraciano [deprecated]
- Picris aculeata latisquamea (H.Lindb.) Sauvage [unknown]
Description
Helminthotheca aculeata (also called Spiny False Agave, among many other common names) is a succulent plant native to the deserts of Mexico and the United States. It has a rosette of fleshy, pointed leaves with a gray-green color and a yellow stripe along the edges. It is found in dry, rocky areas and is tolerant of drought and heat.
Uses & Benefits
Helminthotheca aculeata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat fever and inflammation.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Helminthotheca aculeata sub. aculeata
Helminthotheca aculeata sub. maroccana (Sauvage) Greuter
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Helminthotheca aculeata has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with two small leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Helminthotheca aculeata is a hardy annual that can be propagated through seed. Sow the seeds in a sunny spot in the garden in spring or early summer. Keep the soil moist and the seedlings should emerge within two weeks. Thin out the seedlings to the desired spacing and keep the soil moist. Helminthotheca aculeata can also be propagated through cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn.
Where to Find Helminthotheca aculeata
Helminthotheca aculeata is native to Europe and can be found in open woodlands.
Helminthotheca aculeata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Helminthotheca aculeata?
Helminthotheca aculeata
What is the common name of Helminthotheca aculeata?
No common name
What is the natural habitat of Helminthotheca aculeata?
It is found in dry grasslands and open woodlands in South Africa
Species in the Helminthotheca genus
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,