Pallenis spinosa,
Commonly known as spiny starwort or spiny golden star.
Family: Asteraceae
Average height: Up to 60 centimetres (around 2 feet)
Flowering: March to July.
Pallenis spinosa is found in dessert and coastal locations of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Habitat: Commonly seen on roadsides, wasteland and scrubland. Predominantly growing in well drained, stony ground and can survive hot and very climatic conditions, such as a dessert environment.
A very important plant for a vast range of insects, needing pollen and nectar in a hot dry climate.
The plants fruit are known as “achenes”, these do not open to release the seed. The seed is protected and sustained by the achene’s protective shell. When eaten by a bird, the seed will pass through its digestive system, undamaged.
Pallenis spinosa is considered as a medicinal plant, used in folk medicine for healing or preventive remedies, for various diseases.