Taraxacum Platycarpum So Beautiful Flower
Taraxacum platycarpum: Korea’s Native Dandelion and Its Many Roles
When most people think of dandelions, they picture the common Taraxacum officinale, familiar for its yellow blooms and fluffy seed heads scattered by the wind. However, in East Asia, particularly in Korea, a lesser-known cousin takes the stage—Taraxacum platycarpum. Often overshadowed by its more widespread relatives, this native dandelion species has its own unique identity, ecological role, and cultural value.
Botanical Profile
Taraxacum platycarpum is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Asteraceae. Like other members of the Taraxacum genus, it features a rosette of deeply lobed leaves, a hollow stem, and a bright yellow composite flower head composed of numerous ray florets. The species name “platycarpum” refers to its flat fruit structure—a key distinguishing feature.
This dandelion is native to Korea and parts of northeastern China and Japan. It thrives in grasslands, roadside verges, open fields, and disturbed areas, blooming from early spring to late autumn. Unlike T. officinale, which is invasive in many parts of the world, T. platycarpum is a native species with a more balanced ecological role in its home environment.
Ecological Importance
As an early spring bloomer, T. platycarpum plays a vital role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing nectar and pollen at a time when few other flowers are available. Its deep taproot helps break up compacted soils, improves drainage, and brings nutrients closer to the surface, indirectly benefiting other nearby plants.
Because it is native, it interacts in harmony with local ecosystems. Native herbivores and insects have co-evolved with this plant, using it for food or as part of their habitat. In contrast, non-native dandelions can sometimes outcompete native flora, reducing biodiversity.
| Device | cannon eos 700D |
|---|---|
| Lens | 55-250 zoom leans |
| Location | Bangladesh |
