Family: Asteraceae
Author: Florstr.
Bibliography: Acta Soc. Fauna Fl. Fenn. 39(4): 11 (1914)
Year: 1914
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Taraxacum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe
Description
The Twisted-lobed dandelion, scientifically known as Taraxacum tortilobum, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the family Asteraceae. Described by the botanist Florstr. in his 1914 work published in Acta Societatis Fauna et Flora Fennica, this dandelion captures the unique diversity and adaptation found within its genus.
Taraxacum tortilobum is native to various regions across Europe, where it thrives in a range of environments. This species, like other dandelions, tends to grow in grasslands, meadows, and even urban areas, illustrating its robust nature and adaptability to different habitats.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Twisted-lobed dandelion is reflected in its name. The plant’s leaves exhibit a twisted or lobed morphology, which sets it apart from the more commonly seen dandelion species. This feature not only contributes to its unique aesthetic appeal but also plays a role in its botanical identification and classification.
The Twisted-lobed dandelion is a member of the large and economically significant family Asteraceae, which includes a wide array of other important plants like sunflowers, daisies, and asters. Within this family, the dandelion genus (Taraxacum) stands out for its well-known medicinal uses, nutritional value, and ecological importance.
Further observations in the wild reveal that Taraxacum tortilobum, like its relatives, contributes significantly to its ecosystem. It serves as a crucial food source for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, particularly in the early spring when other nectar sources are scarce. Moreover, its deep taproot system is beneficial for soil aeration and the mobilization of nutrients, helping to create a healthier environment for other plants.
In summary, the Twisted-lobed dandelion (Taraxacum tortilobum) is a remarkable plant species with unique morphological features and substantial ecological value. Its presence across Europe underlines its resilience and adaptability, making it a notable subject of study within the diverse family of Asteraceae.
Common Names
Deu: gedrehtlappiger löwenzahn
Dan: laset sandmælkebøtte
Fra: pissenlit, pissenlit à lobes tordus
Eng: twisted-lobed dandelion
Swe: skruvmaskros, finsk sandmaskros
En: Twisted-lobed Dandelion
Da: Laset sandmælkebøtte
Fr: Pissenlit, Pissenlit à lobes tordus
De: Gedrehtlappiger Löwenzahn
Sv: Skruvmaskros, Finsk sandmaskros
Synonyms
Distribution
- Baltic States (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Poland (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Other
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Habit
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Marc TISON (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5394131)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:254987-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Taraxacum tortilobum Florstr.)
Specifications
Growth
Light: 8
