Chamaepeuce
(from chamai, dwarf, and peuke, a Pine; resemblance). ORD. Compositae. This genus is now usually included under Cnicus. Nearly hardy herbaceous plants, differing from Cnicus proper in the covering of the achenes being hardened, not membranous; and from Carduus in the pappus being feathery, not simple. Flower-heads from 1in. to 2in. in diameter, generally arranged in corymbs or long leafy racemes. Leaves usually lanceolate, with very spiny margins. Of the entire genus, the only two worth much attention are C. Casabonae and C. diacantha. Both these are effective for sub-tropical gardening and carpet bedding, growing in compact rosette-like patches, and not producing stems or flower-heads until the second year. Propagated by seeds, sown in gentle heat, in February, and also in September, in which latter case the young seedlings should be potted up and kept indoors throughout the winter months.
C. Casabonae (Casabona's). Fish-bone Thistle. fl.-heads pale purple. Summer. l. deep green, veined with white, spiny. h. 2ft. to 3ft. South Europe, 1714.
C. diacantha (two-spined). fl.-heads purplish, in dense, spike-like clusters. Summer. l. shining green, marked with silvery lines; spines ivory-white. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Syria, 1800.
C. stricta (upright). fl.-heads purple. Summer. l. veined with white. h. 2ft. South Europe, 1820. A neat and dwarf-growing species, sometimes seen in gardens.