The Cynara scolymus, a plant somewhat resembling a
   thistle, with a dilated, imbricated, and prickly involucre. The head
   (to which the name is also applied) is composed of numerous oval
   scales, inclosing the florets, sitting on a broad receptacle, which,
   with the fleshy base of the scales, is much esteemed as an article of
   food.