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Dandelion seed head, Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion seed head (6th of 8 images). Close-up of the seed head of a dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, as it opens. The wind-dispersed seeds are emerging from within the seed head. At centre and lower centre are the protective bracts (green) that enclosed the developing seeds. The seeds grew from the female parts (carpels) of the flower head once they had been fertilized with pollen. Dandelions are short perennial plants which grow in grassy areas and waste ground, and flower mainly between April and June. See photos B539/035-042 for the sequence of development from flower bud to seed dispersal.
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