Each seed is attached to a characteristic fuzzy structure called a 'pappus' that allows the seed to be carried by the wind. Dandelion leaves, flower, and seed head with pappus.
Compositae). The common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of many silver-tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. These balls are called "clocks" in both British and American English. The name "blowball" is also used. Taraxacum officinale.
The dandelion flower is actually a cluster of more than 100 tiny flowers called ray florets.
A dandelion seed is the plant's mature fruit, known as a cypsela to botanists, and its parachute-like structure is known as a pappus.
Dandelion Seed
The white tuft at the top of each stem acts as a parachute enabling the seed to travel on the breeze or be picked up when brushed by a passing animal or person, thereby reproducing the dandelion. It is this distinct fluffy sphere of the dandelion which enables it to reproduce.
The white floaties originate from a densely packed seed head that resembles a fuzzy ball. If you look closely, each seed head has dozens of umbrella-like extensions. Located at the seed head's center are the seeds -- each seed has this umbrella structure attached to them.
It turns out that fluid isn't sap or poison, but a defense mechanism, in the form of latex! The Lithuanian word for dandelions is 'pienė', which literally translates to milky, for the white liquid. Latex is produced by cells called laticifers, which exist in more than 20 000 plant species, as well as some fungi.
Botanical Characteristics
Most Dandelions form bright yellow flowers with many small petals, giving them a fluffy appearance. This is followed by an even fluffier ball-shaped seed head covered in fibers to help them fly. Dandelions tend to have dark green leaves that grow in a rosette around the base of the plant.
Common dandelion is well known for its yellow flower heads that turn into round balls of silver tufted fruits that disperse in the wind. These balls are called "blowballs" or "clocks" in both British and American English.
Once pollination by bees or other insects has taken place, each fertilized floret produces a seed called an achene. Each seed pushes up through the floret and develops a feathery filament called a pappus. When viewed collectively on the dandelion's seed head, the filaments look like a white puff ball.
Dandelions are native to Eurasia, but have been introduced to North America, South America, India (where it hadn't reached naturally), Australia, New Zealand and probably anywhere else where Europeans, the people, have migrated.
typically, a dandelion blowing in the wind represents the a wish for a good fate. They can also stand as a memorial for a loved one that has passed away.
Dandelion leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and the flower buds, petals, and roots can all be used in various ways.
Every part of a dandelion can be eaten. The roots, leaves and stems are all edible, and also have medicinal properties. Yes, even the hollow stems attached to the flowers can be consumed! Dandelions are highly nutritious, they' are rich in vitamins (A, C, D, E, and B), inositol and lecithin.
Each flower is also encased in those white fibres that will eventually form a fluffy white head - but you can't see them clearly when a dandelion is in full bloom.
False dandelion, Cat's-ear, Hypochaeris radicata, this week's Mystery Plant, is all about that.
Legend has it that, if you can blow all the seeds off a dandelion with a single breath, then the person you love will love you back. If seeds remain, then the object of your affection may have reservations about their feelings toward you.
In folk medicine, dandelion is referred to as the elixir of life because it purifies the body of residues and negative energies. Because of its cleansing effect, it is also called blood purifier, laxative agent, liver cleanser and fatigue remover.
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible and packed with nutrients.
The scientists knew that the key to the seed's flight was the tuft atop the stem on which hangs the dandelion seed. This tuft, called a pappus, is made up of a sparse thicket of filaments, or bristles, that look something like the sprouting hair on the head of the Chinese crested dog.
Do not use dandelion if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. You should also avoid dandelion if you have gallbladder problems, have diabetes or are taking medicine to control blood sugar levels, or are taking a diuretic.
Dandelion leaves to be eaten raw are best when they are fresh and young. As they age, the leaves get increasingly bitter. But they are still edible, particularly if you blanch them before using them in your recipe.
If you rub a dandelion under your chin and your skin turns yellow, you like butter -- at least according to an old wives tale found in cultures worldwide. Blow away the dandelion seeds and you can tell the future by counting how many seeds are left, according to other superstitions.
Where did we get the idea of making a wish on dandelions? The story goes, if you blew all of the seeds of a dandelion at once, the person you loved would love you back. Each time you wish upon a dandelion you are sending anywhere from 54-172 seeds into the air.