Artichokes are actually the buds of a thistle. These grey-green flower buds consist of many small leaves that are folded around a flower base. Then the leaves open and the 'hay' inside develops into a beautiful purple flower. Nice to see, but a flowering artichoke is no longer edible. The plant has flowers in heads and pointed winding leaves. The plant has irritable stamens: when touched by a bee's tongue or paw, for example, the stamen contract and a pinch of white pollen is released from the anthers.
Ellen Driesse-Pladdet, born and raised in beautiful Zeeuws-Vlaanderen close to the beach and dunes, grew up in the middle of the nature of Zeeland's countryside. A nature lover who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and treats it with respect.
I've been photographing since I could hold a..
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