Hypochaeris brasiliensis (Less.) Hook. & Arn. - Tweed's Cat's-Ear
Family - Asteraceae
Stems:
Upper stem.
Lower stem.
Sap of stem.
Leaves:
Basal leaves in-situ.
Inflorescence:
N/A
Involucre:
Ray flowers:
Fruiting head.
Achenes.
Disk flowers:
Absent.
Flowering - March - June.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, waste places, roadsides.
Origin - Native to South America.
Other information - This weedy species can be found in scattered counties of southern Alabama. The plant can be identified by its leafy stems (at least near the base), milky sap, yellow flowers, long-beaked fruits, and plumose pappus bristles.
The genus name Hypochaeris was a named used by Theophrastus for this genus or a similar genus. The name is derived from the Greek "hypo" meaning "under" and "chaer(i)" meaning "a young pig" maybe referring to the basal leaves growing so flat to the ground?
The species epithet brasiliensis means "from Brasil, of Brasil" referring to the plant's South American origin.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 27, Auburn, AL., 5-14-05 and 4-21-06.