Teasel has flower heads surrounded by thorns.
Cardón is a term that comes from thistle , a plant that usually has a height of approximately one meter, with leaves provided with thorns and edible stalks, and can refer to different species of vegetables.
Teasel
Cardón is synonymous with cardencha , a plant that belongs to the Dipsacaceae family. With the scientific name Dipsacus fullonum , it has a thorny stem and is native to the European continent. It is a perennial plant found in many parts of Europe and Western Asia.
This cardón is used by the pelaires : the individuals who are dedicated to the preparation of the wool with which it will later be woven. These people use cardón to remove hair from cloths on the hanger. That is why the act and result of removing the hair from the cloths before they are laid is also called cardón (the process carried out to even out the hair).
Cardenche is distinguished by its flower heads that are surrounded by sharp spines , which can be used in textile and wool carding applications. The leaves are lanceolate and toothed , while the stems are robust and upright, reaching heights of up to 2 meters . The plant produces tubular purple or pink flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
This cardón has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its various medicinal properties, among which are:
- anti-inflammatory : it is a potential remedy to alleviate health problems related to inflammation, such as arthritis;
- diuretics : to increase urine production and assist in the elimination of toxins from the body;
- digestive : to relieve stomach disorders and digestion problems;
- antioxidants – may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals;
- Healing : In topical applications, parts of the plant have been used to aid in the healing of minor wounds and burns.
Los Cardones National Park
Los Cardones National Park is a natural reserve located in Argentina, specifically in the province of Salta and part of Tucumán. It is known for its scenic beauty and its importance in the conservation of the flora and fauna of the region.
It covers an area of approximately 65,000 hectares in the Calchaquí Valleys region, in northwest Argentina. The name of the park refers to a species of columnar cactus known as cardón ( Trichocereus Pasacana ) that dominates the landscape. These can reach heights of up to 10 meters and are a distinctive element of its flora . The park is home to a variety of other species of cacti and plants adapted to arid conditions.
Despite its desert environment, Los Cardones is home to an important diversity of wildlife . We can find birds such as the Andean condor, the Moorish eagle and the peregrine falcon, and mammals such as the gray fox and the vicuña. There are also reptiles and amphibians that have adapted to the extreme conditions of the area .
The park's landscape is stunning, with panoramic views of the Calchaquí Valleys mountains and a host of unique rock formations . The geological formations and picturesque mountains offer opportunities for hiking and nature watching.
Los Cardones is essential for the conservation of the flora and fauna of the region, especially the cactus species like the ones that give it its name. Among the activities that visitors can do are hiking, bird watching and photography , as long as they respect the rules to preserve its beauty and biodiversity.
Cacti are plants adapted to the desert climate, with a special capacity to store water.
cacti
In many Latin American countries, multiple types of cacti or cacti are called cardón. Cardones, in this way, are species that grow in regions with a desert climate and are characterized by the thorns that protect their globose stem.
Cacti are succulent plants that belong to the Cactaceae family. There are thousands of species , and their appearance varies widely. Some are small and globose, while others may be tall and columnar. The shape of cacti is often related to their ability to store water.