What does a dandelion look like?
In the corners of the fields and alleys, you can always see clusters of special plants with white pompoms on top of them. They are dandelions known as the "flying medicine box." This seemingly ordinary weed hides an amazing life code. From its unique morphological structure to its exquisite reproductive mechanism, it is worth reading carefully. Morphological characteristics of dandelion The perfect structure from base to vein has a conical main root that penetrates vertically into the soil up to 20 centimeters, and its fleshy roots store overwintering nutrients. The basal rosette leaves are oblanceolate, and the pinnately parted edges do not grow randomly. This wavy tooth mark can maximize the photosynthetic area. The new leaves are green, and when they mature, the veins gradually turn purplish red, which is a natural signal for the accumulation of anthocyanins. Survival wisdom for regional differences Northern dandelion leaves are thicker and juicy to withstand drought, while southern varieties present deeper lobes for easy drainage. Plants at high altitudes are as short as bonsai in the palm of the hand, and plants on the plains can grow to 40 centimeters. This elastic shape is the secret of the survival of dandelions all over the world. Dandelion flower structure The bright yellow crown condensed by the sun looks like a single dandelion flower, but is actually a precise combination of hundreds of lingual flowers. The golden flower plate that blooms with sunrise in the morning will close to protect pollen on rainy days. Each small flower has a nectary tube at the base, which attracts pollinators to complete the life ritual. The fantasy transformation of the seed factory. Flowers that have been successfully pollinated will start the transformation process within 3 days. The calyx will transform into white crested hairs and the ovaries will develop into achenes with parachutes. Each plant can produce 2000 feathered seeds. These miniature aircraft can fly 8 kilometers with the help of wind, making it the most successful sowing system in nature. The chemical defenses in the milk break off the stems and leaves and the milky juice flowing out contains dandelion sterols and inulin, which not only drives away herbivores, but also promotes wound healing. This bitter substance is at its highest concentration during the bud stage and gradually transforms into nutrients as the seeds mature. The growth rhythm of the four seasons ranges from germination at the vernal equinox to hibernation at frost, and dandelions show amazing growth elasticity. The main root contracts and moves downward in winter, and the terminal buds are buried deep underground waiting for spring news. This perennial characteristic allows it to grow continuously for 5-8 years, performing a cycle of life every year.
When we take a closer look at this plant called the "Doctor of the Earth", we will find that every structure contains survival wisdom. From the root system to prevent wind and sand fixation to the juice to cure diseases and save people, dandelion uses its exquisite design that has evolved over hundreds of millions of years to write the miracle of life in the ordinary.