This is a photo of an erstwhile beautiful plant that was growing along the Mission trails river path. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was a Variegated Thistle, Silybum marianum. The Variegated Thistle is treated as a noxious weed in New Zealand due to it's prolific habits and nasty thorny demeanor. In New Zealand, you can be fined for growing, displaying or promoting the Variegated Thistle.
That notwithstanding, it is a stunning plant with incredibly clear and concise white variegation on dark green leaves that are cut in wavy and spiny edges with fine spines that glow in the sun. Ultimately, it is one of the most beautiful plants visible on the trail at this time of year. Thus, one country's noxious weed is another's photography subject.
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