Artichoke is a perennial herb in the genus artichoke of Compositae, which feeds on flower buds. It is also called French Lily and Dutch lily. Chromosome number 2n = 2x = 34. The involucre and receptacle in the flower bud are edible parts, and the petiole can be cooked after softening cultivation, with light taste. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron and starch.

Artichoke has the fragrance of plants and trees, with a slight bitter taste. It tastes refreshing. Because of its bitter taste, most people focus on its efficacy rather than its taste. For example, in Vietnam, people regard it as a herbal tea effective for the liver. Drinking it after drinking can prevent hangover.

Artichokes are succulent plants with large flowers. Its scientific name is derived from the Latin meaning "canine tooth", which is said to be because its flower bud is shaped like a canine tooth. Its flower bud is a famous delicacy in Italy and France. It is cooked with salt first, then added with sour sauce to make salad, or stuffed with something, and then fried.

It is native to the Mediterranean coast and evolved from artichoke. There are still wild species in southern Europe and Central Asia, which were eaten by the Romans 2000 years ago, and most cultivated in France. In the 19th century, it was introduced to Shanghai from France and cultivated in Yunnan.

It is reported that a Japanese study as early as 1940 pointed out that artichoke can not only reduce cholesterol, but also stimulate the liver to produce bile and help urinate.