Dandelion (tanpopo)

[ . BACK to TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dandelion (tanpopo, Japan)

***** Location: Japan, other regions
***** Season: All Spring
***** Category: Plant

*****************************
Explanation

Each dandelion stem has a yellow flower head containing numerous radiating petals and each petal is a separate flower. In the sun, flower heads open wide and when cloudy or dark they close tightly. Europeans brought dandelion seeds to America in the 1700s. One of the most common weeds, it may be found almost everywhere in the United States and will grow almost anywhere. Dandelions bloom from late March through early January. The dandelion's long taproot contracts each year, pulling the leaves down to the soil (away from your lawn mower). Dandelion flowers don't need pollination; they grow directly from female ovules - making every dandelion a clone of its mother!

Dandelions, also known as "lion's teeth", are good for you - they're the richest known source of beta-carotene, also high in vitamin C! Young leaves are used in salads, boiled, or scrambled with eggs, as well as for coffee and wine. Parts of the dandelion can be used in an array of treatments for illnesses; in fact, pharmacists import over 100,000 pounds of dandelion root to the U.S. each year for use in tonics and liver medications! Dandelions also yield dyes for clothing, and most importantly supply endless amounts of entertainment and fascination as they turn into little white puffs to make a wish on.

Carol Raisfeld
http://home.alc.co.jp/db/owa/ph_diary?stage=show&diary_sn_in=400

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

*****************************
Worldwide use


*****************************
Things found on the way


*****************************
HAIKU



backyard picnic
a birthday toast with
dandelion wine

http://home.alc.co.jp/db/owa/ph_diary?stage=show&diary_sn_in=400

... ... ...

surprise sneeze
the dandelion blows away
without a wish



http://home.alc.co.jp/db/owa/ph_diary?stage=show&diary_sn_in=401

Two Photos and Haiku © by Carol Raisfeld

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

lone dandelion stalk
all of its seeds blown away
unsure what it is

Gabriel Rosenstock (Ireland)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/happyhaiku/message/1848

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dandelion... weed?
for me a feathery
star all of gold...

Pissenlit... herbe folle?
J'y vois une étoile plumée
et tout dorée...

© by Richard Vallance 2005
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/happyhaiku/message/1662

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

dandelions -
even my weeds
turn mandala



© Gabi Greve, Spring 2005
http://happyhaiku.blogspot.com/2005/04/mandala-02.html

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Dandelions crown
grey to dandelion puffs -
Grandchildren dare flight

©　Michael R. Collings, June 2007

*****************************
Related words

*****

*****************************
Please send your contributions to Gabi Greve
worldkigo@yahoo.com

Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/