Centauria Calcitrapa, also known as starthistle or purple starthistle, is a type of plant that belongs to the sunflower family. This species is native to the Mediterranean region but has now spread across the world, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and North America. Other synonyms for Centauria Calcitrapa include knapweed, thornless thistle, and yellow starthistle. Despite its beautiful purple flowers, it is considered a noxious weed due to its spiny leaves and ability to outcompete native plants in certain areas. However, it still has some uses in traditional medicine as it is believed to have some anti-inflammatory properties.