Genus Carlina, also known as the carline thistle, is a group of plants belonging to the family Asteraceae. Common synonyms for this genus include Bull Thistle, Spotted Thistle, and Globe Thistle. These plants are characterized by their spiny leaves and distinctive, thistle-like flowers. They are native to Europe and Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world as ornamental plants. Carlina plants have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues and respiratory problems. They are also used in modern herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.