Green Globe Artichoke

Latin name: Cynarus scolymus
Plant Family:  Aster (Asteraceae)
Lifespan: Perennial
Origin: Heirloom variety. Mediterranean region.
Growing: Full sun and well drained soil. 
Edibility: The heads are eaten before it goes into flower. They are delicious baked or boiled and are one of the highest vegetables in antioxidants. Each plant produces multiple heads and the production increases each year. 
Medicinal uses: None that is known.
Permaculture Uses: Great mulch crop and nurse plant which can cast shade on plants which don't like too much sun.
Price: $5 per plant