Crupina is a small genus of flowering plants in the tribe Cardueae, within the family Asteraceae (the daisy or composite family), order Asterales. The genus comprises a handful of species native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and is recognised by its thistle-like habit and characteristically bright, deep pink flower heads.
The most prominent member, Crupina vulgaris (common crupina), is considered a notorious noxious weed across several continents. Originally native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia as far east as Xinjiang, it has been naturalised in China, North America, and Australia, where it is regarded as an invasive agricultural pest. The second species, Crupina crupinastrum, is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia and also carries weedy potential, though it is not yet as problematic as C. vulgaris.
Distribution
Crupina vulgaris is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia as far east as Xinjiang, and has been naturalised in China, North America, and Australia. Crupina crupinastrum is distributed across southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. A third species, Crupina intermedia, occurs in North Africa, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Armenia.
Taxonomy Notes
Crupina is placed in the tribe Cardueae (the thistle tribe) within the family Asteraceae, order Asterales. The genus is accepted by GBIF. Wikipedia lists five species, including Crupina intermedia, C. pseudocrupina, and a Croatian record under C. strum, though the circumscription of the genus at the species level has varied in different treatments.
