Scolymus hispanicus Spanish Oyster Plant
Although Scolymus hispanicus is a common plant growing throughout the mediterranean region, I haven't seen it that often for some reason. The yellow flowers, spiny winged stems and spiny, thistle-like leaves are typical. It tends to grow in weedy, dry places like olive groves, fields and roadside verge and was very much at home in dry Rhodes.
The plant is edible and served in salads also the central part of the basal leaves can be boiled and served with scrambled eggs or in stews in parts of Spain. The Oyster reference comes from the sweet edible roots which are said to taste like oysters. It also has medicinal uses and has been used since the time of Theophrastus (arguably the first botanist) and later by Pliny.
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| Scolymus hispanica Spanish Oyster Plant |
Hinterland of Prasonisi, Rhodes 16th May 2010
Added on February 13th 2015