DICOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS. oa 
II. LIGULIFLORZ. 
TARAXACUM, DANDELION. 
Head many-flowered, large, solitary, yellow, borne on a 
hollow seape which is short at first but lengthens after flower- 
ing. Involucre composed of a single row of long, erect, inner 
scales and a set of much shorter ones outside and at the base 
of the former ones. Akenes cylindrical or spindle-shaped, 
with 4-5 rough ribs, the apex tapering into a bristle-like beak 
which bears a short, broadly conical tuft of soft white hairs. 
Stemless perennial or biennial herbs, with a flattish tuft of 
pinnately cut or jagged leaves with the teeth bent backwards 
(Fig. 29). 
(T. OFFICINALE), DANDELION. Outer involucre reflexed ; inner 
involucre closing over the head, after the flowers are withered, and 
remaining shut for some days, then opening and allowing the tufted 
akenes to form a globular head. Root stout, bitter, medicinal. 
Young leaves eaten boiled, in spring, — the plant often cultivated for 
the leaves by market-gardeners. 
