Explore Cardopatium corymbosum (Black Chameleon) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Cardopatium corymbosum | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Black Chameleon, Corymbose Distaff Thistle
Family: Asteraceae
Appearance: A robust perennial thistle with deeply lobed, spiny leaves and compact, clustered, purplish flower heads.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Deep taproot
Height: 0.3–0.8 meters
Width: Approximately 0.4 meters
Lifespan: Several years (perennial)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees and other insects
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Cardopatium corymbosum | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Eastern Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East
Companionship: Often grows alongside Mediterranean herbs and grasses
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Low tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0 - 8.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Propagated by seeds
Cuttings: Not typically propagated by cuttings
Cardopatium corymbosum | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Young shoots may be edible, though not commonly consumed
Medicinal: Limited traditional medicinal use to treat intestinal worms, skin diseases and wounds
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Occasionally grazed by livestock when young
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not used as firewood
Wind Break: Not used as a windbreak
Fence: Not used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators and some shelter for small insects
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