Taraxacum exsertiforme

Taraxacum exsertiforme is a microspecies of the common dandelion group, an apomictic perennial herb of Taraxacum sect. Taraxacum (sect. Ruderalia), the aggregate that includes Taraxacum officinale. Like other members of the section it forms a basal rosette of pinnately lobed, runcinate leaves arising from a stout fleshy taproot, with the lobes typically retrorse and a broad terminal lobe. The bright yellow ligulate flower heads are borne singly on hollow, leafless scapes that exude a milky white latex when broken, and the fruiting head forms the familiar globe of parachuted achenes dispersed by wind. The species is recorded from central Europe, including Austria and the wider temperate Eurasian range typical of the section, in meadows, grassy places and disturbed ground.