*Hypochaeris microcephala var albiflora

Family Asteraceae

White Flatweed

Perennial herb to 40 cm high, with radical leaves and a thick fleshy taproot 5 mm diameter, 7 cm deep. Longevity 2 - 5 years.

Flowers: White, October – December.

Fruit: Achene 5 mm long, with pappus of plumose hairs 5 – 8 mm long, October – December.

Seed: Wind dispersed.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Native of Europe, Asia and North Africa.
• Weed of woodland and disturbed sites.
• Occasional in woodland and roadsides at the Australian Botanic Garden, minor weed.
• Seeedlings observed in bare areas after fire.

Asterisk * indicates exotic species naturalised at the Australian Botanic Garden.