Globe Thistle

The Globe Thistle or Spiny Globe-Thistle (scientific name: Echinops spinosissimus) is a perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It grows in the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. It can be found in Riyadh City and the surrounding areas and is also well known in Aseer Province in the southwestern part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it grows along the banks of valleys or near rocky slopes.

The Globe Thistle is a perennial that does not require moisture, as it can survive in arid and extremely arid regions. It is drought-resistant and reaches a height of ninety to one hundred cm. It differs from the Echinops species known as "Echinops glaberrimus" in the shape of its flowers. The species name spinosissimus refers to the long, protruding spines of its spherical inflorescence. Additionally, its spiny leaves are more abundant and have pointed tips compared to other species of the same genus.

The flowers of the Globe Thistle are white and light blue, blooming from early September until the end of November. It reproduces by seeds and does not have high growth or care requirements. For this reason, it is well-suited for open areas, where it can provide relatively dense ground cover in rocky lands. It maintains an attractive appearance throughout all seasons.

The Globe Thistle is used for landscaping pedestrian areas, streets, and rural areas. It can also be used for ground cover and afforestation of hills to help stabilize them, as well as in the afforestation of parks, steppes, hanging gardens, valley vegetation, and meadows.