cardoon n 1: southern European plant having spiny leaves and purple flowers cultivated for its edible leafstalks and roots [syn: {cardoon}, {Cynara cardunculus}] 2: only parts eaten are roots and especially stalks (blanched and used as celery); related to artichokes
Cardoon \Car*doon"\ (k[aum]r*d[=oo]n"), n. [F. cardon. The same word as F. cardon thistle, fr. L. carduus, cardus, LL. cardo. See 3d {Card}.] (Bot.) A large herbaceous plant ({Cynara Cardunculus}) related to the artichoke; -- used in cookery and as a salad. [1913 Webster] cardsharp