Taraxacum scariosum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Taraxacum stenolobum
• Taraxacum antungense
• Taraxacum urbanum
• Leontodon scariosus
• Taraxacum asiaticum
• Taraxacum commixtiforme
• Taraxacum falcilobum
• Taraxacum yinshanicum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, falling under the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the genus Taraxacum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Taraxacum scariosum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the vast landscapes of Siberia. Its presence is documented within the mountainous regions of the Altai. Additionally, the species can be found spreading through the territory of Buryatiya. It also inhabits the eastern stretches of Siberia, specifically within the Chita region. Finally, the plant's range extends into the Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk areas.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Taraxacum scariosum is characterized by its preference for specific meadow environments, particularly those defined by high moisture availability and complex soil textures. It thrives in wet, stony places, where the combination of consistent water presence and rocky substrates provides the necessary drainage and mineral stability required for its growth. This specialized habitat suggests an adaptation to transitional zones where hydric conditions meet more rugged, lithic terrain, allowing the plant to occupy niches within meadow ecosystems that may be too unstable or damp for less specialized competitors.

Habitat :

meadows: wet, stony places

Life history

The life history of Taraxacum scariosum is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial species, it does not complete its biological cycle within a single year but instead establishes a robust presence in its habitat, often utilizing a deep taproot system to store nutrients and survive periods of environmental stress. This long-term survival strategy enables the plant to emerge consistently each season, facilitating repeated reproductive efforts over several years rather than relying on the singular, high-stakes flowering event seen in annual or biennial species. Through this sustained lifecycle, the plant can effectively colonize its niche and maintain stable populations within its ecological range.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Taraxacum scariosum is characterized by a low-growing growth form, specifically classified as a herb and a forb. It is a non-woody plant with a relatively diminutive stature, reaching a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.2 m. Although it possesses certain climbing tendencies, it is described as a self-supporting liana or vine rather than an obligatory or facultative climber.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Plant height max:

0.2 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Taraxacum scariosum is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework optimized for temperate environments, primarily utilizing a C3 photosynthetic pathway. Within this C3 mechanism, the plant captures atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO during the Calvin cycle, a process that allows for efficient carbon fixation under moderate light intensities and cooler temperatures typical of its ecological niche. This metabolic strategy dictates its water-use efficiency and gas exchange patterns, as the plant relies on the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate. Consequently, its physiological performance is closely linked to stomatal conductance and the regulation of transpiration to balance carbon gain against potential photorespiration and water loss.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Taraxacum scariosum is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering cycle and the production of small-scale fruit structures. The flowering period typically commences in April and concludes in May, though the timing can be variable across different environmental contexts. Following pollination, the plant develops fruits that exhibit distinct morphological measurements; the fruit length is relatively small, with a minimum measurement of 0.3 cm, a mean length of 0.325 cm, and a maximum length reaching up to 0.4 cm.

Flowering time :

Apr

Flowering time :

May

Fruit length max:

0.4 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.325 cm

Fruit length min:

0.3 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Taraxacum scariosum 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.

Root

1. Phytochemistry

Chemicals

Taraxacum scariosum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-Caffeoylquinic acid, CGA, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Polyphenol, luteolin.

5-Caffeoylquinic acid

1. Phytochemistry

CGA

1. Horticulture research

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Horticulture research

Polyphenol

1. Horticulture research

luteolin

1. Horticulture research

Activities

Taraxacum scariosum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Phytochemistry