The genus Scolymus is a group of flowering plants commonly known as the golden thistle or Mediterranean golden thistle. In the plant taxonomy, there are several synonyms for this genus, including Onopordum, Cynara, and Carduus. These plants belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes other popular plants such as sunflowers and daisies. The golden thistle is native to the Mediterranean region but can also be found in North Africa and parts of Asia. The plant is popular for medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The synonymous names make it easy for botanists and scientists to identify this plant and its beneficial properties.