Taraxacum japonicum
Taraxacum japonicum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Taraxacum japonicum, scientifically known as Taraxacum japonicum, is a versatile perennial herb deeply rooted in traditional East Asian medicine. Often referred to as Japanese dandelion, this plant is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, offering significant therapeutic potential in treating liver ailments and supporting digestive health.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Taraxacum japonicumDistribution
This plant is primarily characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. Its natural occurrence is concentrated within the region of Eastern Asia. More specifically, the species is native to the islands of Japan. This localized distribution suggests that the plant is well-adapted to the particular climates found in this part of the world. Consequently, researchers looking for this medicinal species focus their efforts on the Japanese landscape.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Japan |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Taraxacum japonicum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its vegetative organs. As a perennial herbaceous plant, it lacks any woody tissue, instead relying on a fleshy, often deep-seated taproot to support its growth. The plant typically lacks a stem above the ground, instead producing a basal rosette of leaves that radiate from the rootstock. This non-woody, herbaceous habit allows the plant to thrive in various soil conditions, focusing its energy on rapid leaf development and the production of hollow, leafless flowering stalks (scapes) that terminate in composite flower heads.
- Growth form :
- herb
- Woodiness :
- non-woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Plant Parts
Taraxacum japonicum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Root
- Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin