Although often considered a vegetable, artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are a type of thistle. This plant originated in the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties.I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.