苹果蓟
学名：Centratherum punctatum
英名：LarkDaisy、Brazilian Button Flower、Centratherum
别名：蓝冠菊
简介：菊科苹太阳花属的多年生草本或常绿半灌木，原产西印度群岛及中美洲。

属名Centratherum 是由希腊文kentron 刺与anthos 花所组合成，意指花朵像有刺的，虽然花朵形似长满刺的蓟，实际上她完全没有刺。种名punctum 是拉丁文，有“小斑点”的意思。全株有毛，茎直立或四散生长，茎红褐色，老茎易木质化。卵形叶片互生，叶缘有粗锯齿。头状花序下方有叶状的苞叶，花朵全部是管状花，花色紫蓝色。叶片搓揉后有苹果气味，也有说是凤梨香味，可以提炼香精油。

繁殖力强，能利用种子自我繁殖。

Common name: Brazilian Bachelor's Button, Brazilian Button Flower, Larkdaisy, Porcupine Flower
Botanical name: Centratherum punctatum   

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
Synonyms: Centratherum muticum

Called Brazilian Button Flower, this bushy perennial is native to Brazil. Coming into bloom in a rather short period from seed, the lavender-blue, button flowers to 1-1/4 inches are long lasting and borne continually until frost. The flowers resemble tiny Canadian thistle flowers. The refreshing resinous pineapple scented foliage would be a good candidate for wreaths or potpourri. The plant mounds 2' high to 3' across. It will occasionally reseed itself.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds