Onopordum
/ˌɒnə(ʊ)ˈpɔːdəm/noun
A genus of thistles (family Asteraceae (Compositae)) native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, which bear large, typically purple flower heads; (also onopordum) a plant of this genus; a cotton thistle.
Origin
Mid 18th century; earliest use found in New & Complete Dictionary Arts & Science. From scientific Latin Onopordum, genus name (Linnaeus Species Plantarum II. 827) from post-classical Latin onopordon or its etymon ancient Greek ὀνόπορδον.