Hypochaeris glabra is a species of flowering plant in the tribe Cichorieae within the family Asteraceae known by the common name smooth cat's ear. It is native to Europe,[2] North Africa, and the Middle East but it can be found on other continents where it is an introduced species and a widespread weed. It has become widespread in Africa, southern and southeastern Asia, Australia, and parts of the Americas (especially California).[3][4][5][6]

Hypochaeris glabra is an annual herb growing a small taproot, a basal rosette of leaves, and one or more thin stems 10–40 cm (4–16 in) tall. The leaves are 2–10 cm (3⁄4–4 in) long, smooth along the edges or with small lobes, and green in color, sometimes with a purplish tint near the veins. Atop the thin, naked stems are flower heads with small overlapping purple-tipped phyllaries and bright yellow ray florets. The fruit is a cylindrical achene with a white pappus almost 1 cm (3⁄8 in) long.[7]

References

  1. ^ The Plant List, Hypochaeris glabra L.
  2. ^ Altervista Flora Italiana, Hypochaeris glabra L. includes photos and European distribution map
  3. ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  4. ^ Calflora taxon report, University of California, Hypochaeris glabra L., Smooth Cats ear, smooth cat's ear, smooth catsear
  5. ^ Flora of China, Hypochaeris glabra Linnaeus, 1753. 光猫儿菊 guang mao er ju
  6. ^ Atlas of Living Australia
  7. ^ Flora of North America, Hypochaeris glabra Linnaeus, 1753. Smooth cat’s ear

External links