Catsmanjoe
Name A Weed Flower That Has Given Up Sex.
These fluffy looking puffball structures are of course dandelion seed heads. The white fluffs are termed seed parachutes by many botanist. They are caught by the wind (even wispy breezes) and take flight to re-propagate the dandelion, sometimes miles away........Unlike most other seeds, dandelions can germinate without a lengthy period of dormancy, and to further increase reproduction, the plant has given up sex, so the seeds can develop without cross-fertilization, so a dandelion flower can fertilize itself. Additionally, it can often disperse seeds as early as the day after the flower opens. Between that and the tenacious deep root structures that are so difficult to remove entirely, the dandelion is possibly the mother of all invasive weed flowers.........Inspite of the negatives there is a bit of a silver lining to the dandelion. The leaves (herbicide free harvested) make a healthy addition to salads. Additionally, the roots have a positive tonic effect, aiding in liver detoxification. They also help promote healthier kidney, bladder and pancreatic functions. Let's not forget the flowers. For the wine lovers, let it be known that dandelion flowers make a kick-butt wine! Grandpapa used to make a generous amount of this wine! I don't mean to be sticking up for him, but when grandmama would make his world unbearable, he would partake of the wine. Even gave me a tiny bit now and then. It takes some getting used to the flavor however, but it is just as potent as grape wine. So now you know. Drink up, but don't drive; especially if you've had more than one wine glass of dandelion wine! And I mean that!!!
Name A Weed Flower That Has Given Up Sex.
These fluffy looking puffball structures are of course dandelion seed heads. The white fluffs are termed seed parachutes by many botanist. They are caught by the wind (even wispy breezes) and take flight to re-propagate the dandelion, sometimes miles away........Unlike most other seeds, dandelions can germinate without a lengthy period of dormancy, and to further increase reproduction, the plant has given up sex, so the seeds can develop without cross-fertilization, so a dandelion flower can fertilize itself. Additionally, it can often disperse seeds as early as the day after the flower opens. Between that and the tenacious deep root structures that are so difficult to remove entirely, the dandelion is possibly the mother of all invasive weed flowers.........Inspite of the negatives there is a bit of a silver lining to the dandelion. The leaves (herbicide free harvested) make a healthy addition to salads. Additionally, the roots have a positive tonic effect, aiding in liver detoxification. They also help promote healthier kidney, bladder and pancreatic functions. Let's not forget the flowers. For the wine lovers, let it be known that dandelion flowers make a kick-butt wine! Grandpapa used to make a generous amount of this wine! I don't mean to be sticking up for him, but when grandmama would make his world unbearable, he would partake of the wine. Even gave me a tiny bit now and then. It takes some getting used to the flavor however, but it is just as potent as grape wine. So now you know. Drink up, but don't drive; especially if you've had more than one wine glass of dandelion wine! And I mean that!!!