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Taraxacum mongolicum - Hand-Mazz.

Common Name
Family Asteraceae or Compositae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Village outskirts, embankments and damp roadsides[147].
Range E. Asia - China..
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Taraxacum mongolicum


Taraxacum mongolicum

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Taraxacum mongolicum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Root
Edible Uses: Coffee  Tea

Young leaves - raw or cooked[177]. The following uses are also probably applicable to this species, though we have no records for them[K] Root - cooked[183]. Flowers - raw or cooked[183]. The unopened flower buds can be used in fritters[183]. The whole plant is dried and used as a tea[177, 183]. A pleasant tea is made from the flowers. The leaves and the roots can also be used to make tea. The root is dried and roasted to make a coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

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Antibacterial  Cancer  Cholagogue  Decongestant  Depurative  Diuretic  Febrifuge  Galactogogue  
Hepatic  Laxative  Stomachic

The whole plant is antibacterial, cholagogue, decongestant, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, laxative and stomachic[147, 176]. The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc[176]. A decoction is used in treating abscesses, appendicitis, boils, liver problems, stomach disorders etc[147, 218]. It has been used for over 1,000 years by the Chinese in treating breast cancer and other disorders of the breasts including poor milk flow[218]. The stem has been used in the treatment of cancer[218].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained humus-rich soil in full sun or light shade. Many species in this genus produce their seed apomictically. This is an asexual method of seed production where each seed is genetically identical to the parent plant. Occasionally seed is produced sexually, the resulting seedlings are somewhat different to the parent plants and if these plants are sufficiently distinct from the parents and then produce apomictic seedlings these seedlings are, in theory at least, a new species.

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and either surface-sow or only just cover the seed. Make sure the compost does not dry out. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, choosing relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. Plant them out in early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Expert comment

Author

Hand-Mazz.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

ascend36k   Sat Jul 11 2009

TARAXACI MONGOLICI CUM RADICE, hERBA, Pin Yin: PU GONG YING (leaf) PROPERTY: BITTER, SWEET AND COLD CHANNELS: LIVER, STOMACH Chinese Terms: Clears heat, detoxifies, removes abscesses and dissipates the masses, promotes lactation, clears heat and assists in resolving dampness. Gifts: Swelling and pain in the eyes, abscesses in the breasts and intestines,, insufficient lactation, jaundice, and difficult urination. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Possible mild diarrhea when overdosed and/or may cause heartburn.

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Subject : Taraxacum mongolicum  
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