THE DANDELION PUFFBALL

These gorgeous flowers are actually quite small and but for their attractive golden colour would have missed my eye.

Dandelion ( English), Dudhi ( Hindi) , Taraxacum officinale ( scientific)

Known down the centuries by both Indian and Western Herbal Medical practitioners, all parts of the plant are used for curing various ailments.

The Dandelion is particularly useful to cure ailments of the Liver and Kidneys.

The flower and leaves are also used to make wine and salads respectively. The leaves are a rich source for various vitamins and minerals .

Dandelion
             Dandelion growing as a weed in the gardens of JW Marriot,  Mussoorie

It was by chance that I photographed the Puffball in quite another location in the Himalayas. ( in the garden of the Brentwood sanctuary near Prateeks lovely home)

It was only upon writing this article that I realized the Puffball is none other than the ripe fruit of the gorgeous golden yellow dandelion flower.

The seeds are dispersed by the wind and have inspired famous poets like William Wordsworth.

It is however an invasive weed and infests the crops of farmers around the world.

Puffball
                                                             Puffball

Do keep reading for more interesting anecdotes about  Himalayan wildflowers.

Published by

mukul chand

51 year old entrepreneur who has traveled extensively around the world for work and pleasure , is based in New Delhi, India. A passionate traveler born with a love for flora and fauna, is an active naturalist and amateur photographer. Here he shares his unique insight into Incredible India revealing its mysterious and exotic treasures. Writing from his heart he shares his experiences as he crisscrosses this vast and amazing land.

16 thoughts on “THE DANDELION PUFFBALL”

  2. Food, medicine, and drink all in one plant. Plus a great bee plant, bird plant, and forage plant, too. Somewhere in my drafts I have a post in the works on dandelion and its relative chicory.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. Yes, the dandelion has a mixed representation. It’s considered a weed and is dutifully removed from lawns and gardens. But it’s also incredibly useful, as you mentioned. I’ve heard it also makes great survival food for those who are lost in the wilderness. Thanks for highlighting this interesting plant.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. I admire the dandelion, adapting to so many environments along with evolving such a unique method for spreading seeds. Children blowing on puffballs seem to be a major factor in the spread of dandelions.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment