Taraxacum officinale

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 # 10 Dandelion


Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Taraxacum
Species: Taraxacum officinale

Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale

Common names: Dandelion, blowball, lion's tooth, puffball, priest's crown, wild endive

Habit: Dandelion is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows low to the ground. It can reach up to 30 cm in height and has a basal rosette of deeply toothed leaves.

Root: Dandelion has a taproot that can grow up to 30 cm deep. It is fleshy, and white, and can be used in herbal medicine.

Stem: Dandelion stems are hollow and leafless, and they can produce a milky sap when broken.

Leaf: Dandelion leaves are basal and form a rosette. They are deeply lobed with toothed margins and can grow up to 30 cm in length.

Flower: Dandelion flowers are bright yellow and composed of many small ray florets. They are borne singly on long, hollow stalks and can reach up to 4 cm in diameter.

Calyx: The calyx of the dandelion flower is composed of many small bracts that protect the developing flower bud.

Corolla: The corolla of the dandelion flower is composed of many small ray florets that are fused together to form a disc.

Androecium: The androecium of the dandelion flower consists of many stamens that are fused together to form a tube around the style.

Gynoecium: The gynoecium of the dandelion flower consists of a single compound pistil with two carpels fused together.

Fruit: Dandelion produces achenes, which are small, dry, one-seeded fruits with a pappus of fine hairs that aid in wind dispersal.

Floral Formula: ♀ K5 C5 A5 G(2)

♀ = bisexual flower
K5 = 5 sepals
C5 = 5 petals (fused into a tube)
A5 = 5 stamens
G(2) = a compound ovary with 2 carpels (inferior)

Caring: Dandelions are hardy and adaptive plants that require very little care. However, they can be invasive in certain areas, so controlling their growth is important if necessary. This can be done by mowing or pulling the plants by hand.

Significance: Dandelions are considered both a weed and a herb. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is believed to have numerous health benefits. Dandelion greens are a rich source of vitamins and minerals and are often used in salads and other dishes. Dandelion roots and leaves are also used in herbal teas and supplements.

Economic importance: Dandelions have some economic importance in the fields of herbal medicine and natural products. The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds, which have been studied for their potential health benefits. Additionally, dandelion extracts have been used in cosmetic products for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, dandelions are sometimes cultivated for their edible leaves and roots, which are sold as food products.


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