Taxonomy

Hypochaeris radicata L., Sp. Pl. 2: 810. 1753.

Common name

Cat's ear, common catsear, catsear dandelion, flatweed, hairy catsear

Description

Propagule or dispersal unit is the fruit with papus. Fertile part 3-5 mm long, 0.2-0.6 mm wide, in side view widest in the middle, +/- straight or conspicuously curved, the upper (apical) end narrowing, in cross-section round (terete), basal scar (carpopodium) pronounced and well-differentiated or inconspicuous and undifferentiated, off to the side (oblique) or at least asymmetric, beak (=thinner sterile stalk between seed and pappus) present, beak length 3-11 mm, wings absent, fruit surface dark brown, smooth (except at cellular level), with no hairs (glabrous), thickened margin absent, longitudinal ribs present, 11-15, their surfaces toothed, serrated or scale-like, with no hairs (glabrous).

Pappus type bristles / hairs, pappus elements all +/- similar, up to 6-15 mm long, in several rows, pappus elements numerous, persistent, the individual bristles feathery (plumose) along most of length, +/- equal width along length, white / translucent.

Notes: Fruit surface can be glaucous (i.e. have a smooth greyish coating). Hypochaeris radicata and Hypochaeris glabra differ in the morphology of the outer fruits of the flowering head, with those of the latter species lacking the beak. Unfortunately, it does not appear as if the inner fruits of the two can be easily differentiated.

Ecology

Perennial herb, fruits wind-dispersed. Especially Mediterranean to temperate areas, with high tolerance for various soil conditions. Disturbed areas, grasslands, rail- and roadsides, urban areas.

Native range

Europe, Northern Africa.

Introduced range

Cosmopolitan.

Past interceptions (Australia): origins

United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, Italy, Vietnam, New Zealand.

Other or unidentified species of the genus also from Spain, Belgium, South Africa, UAE, Thailand, Korea, Christmas Island, New Caledonia.

Past interceptions (Australia): commodities

Containers, agricultural machinery, fresh fruit, new vehicles.

Other or unidentified species of the genus also in/on steel, timber pallets, timber furniture, cut flowers, military equipment.