The Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial thistle originating in Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.4-2 metres (4.6-6.6 ft) tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery, glaucous-green leaves 50-82 centimetres (20-32 in) long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8-15 centimetres.