Contents
Description
Taraxacum Ohwianum, commonly known as the Ohwianum dandelion, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the daisy family Asteraceae. It is native to China and is widely distributed in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. The plant is characterized by its basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves and yellow flowers that bloom from April to June. The flowers are followed by spherical seed heads that disperse the seeds by wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Taraxacum |
Appearance
The Ohwianum dandelion has a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and can grow up to 25 cm long. The leaves are green and hairless on the upper surface, while the undersides are hairy. The plant produces yellow flowers that are 2-3 cm in diameter and have multiple petals. The flowers are followed by spherical seed heads that are filled with numerous small seeds. The plant can grow up to 40 cm tall and has a taproot that can extend up to 15 cm deep into the soil.
Care Guide
To care for the Ohwianum dandelion, it requires moderate watering and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it grows best in full sun or partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Ohwianum dandelion is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or grown in poorly draining soil. Pests such as aphids and mealybugs can also infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Ohwianum dandelion is native to China and is widely distributed in the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and open woodlands. The plant can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Ohwianum dandelion edible?
A: Yes, the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Q: Does the Ohwianum dandelion have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including liver and stomach problems.
Q: Can the Ohwianum dandelion be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated from seed, which can be sown outdoors in the fall or early spring.
Q: How long does it take for the Ohwianum dandelion to bloom?
A: The plant typically blooms from April to June.
Related Plants
- Taraxacum officinale (Common dandelion)
- Taraxacum erythrospermum (Red-seeded dandelion)
- Taraxacum pseudoroseum (False rose-flowered dandelion)
- Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Rubber dandelion)
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Taraxacum ohwianum. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200023661
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Taraxacum ohwianum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279005&isprofile=0&
- BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. (2018, July 23). How to grow dandelions. Retrieved from https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-dandelions/
