Review: Cynara cardunculus L. var. sylvestris, a weed with great potential uses

Abstract

Cynara cardunculus L. var sylvestris is a native plant from the Mediterranean. Several studies indicate that this variety is the common ancestor of the two cultivated varieties: scolymus and altilis, which are used as edible plants to obtain different products due to their characteristics. Alternatively, although the var. sylvestris has globally been considered as an invasive weed, some authors have recently reported that this wild cardoon has an enormous aptitude for obtaining different agro-industrial products or to be used for different purposes. Likewise, cardoon can grow in adverse environmental conditions, having competitive advantages compared with other crops. In this article, we have included information about the var. sylvestris and its genetic relation with the other varieties, its potential to generate different products, the characteristics that allow its adaptation and competitiveness as well as its worldwide distribution and in Argentina.