The rare Arctic Dandelion, Spitzbergen
Spitzbergen must be the only place on the planet where people get excited about seeing a Dandelion. But this is no ordinary Dandelion. It is the rare Arctic Dandelion (Taraxacum arcticum), and is restricted to the very high Arctic, and only grows sparingly in these areas. The stem also has interesting strengthening rings rather like a windpipe. Like most plants on Spitzbergen it is a perennial, but does also produce Dandelion "clocks" and sets seed in the normal way.
The rare Arctic Dandelion, Spitzbergen
Spitzbergen must be the only place on the planet where people get excited about seeing a Dandelion. But this is no ordinary Dandelion. It is the rare Arctic Dandelion (Taraxacum arcticum), and is restricted to the very high Arctic, and only grows sparingly in these areas. The stem also has interesting strengthening rings rather like a windpipe. Like most plants on Spitzbergen it is a perennial, but does also produce Dandelion "clocks" and sets seed in the normal way.