Abstract
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg) is a perennial herbaceous plant that, although not native to its current habitats, has become invasive, posing economic challenges by outcompeting indigenous flora and agricultural crops. The precise factors enabling its dominance remains unclear. We hypothesized that morphological adaptations may play a role in contributing significantly to the dandelion's invasive success. This study focused on two main drivers: 1. Phenotypic changes in the seed head stalk, and 2. Phenotypic plasticity facilitating adaptation to diverse environments. While dandelion seeds are efficiently dispersed by wind, the precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Research reveals that during seed head formation, the seed head stalk elongates and grows vertically, potentially aiding in seed dispersion. Morphological variations across habitats, including natural environments, suburban lawns, and playgrounds, contribute to dandelion's success. In suburban lawns, dandelions exhibit adaptations such as small leaves, short flower stalks angled at 30 degrees or lower, growing parallel to the lawn grass to evade mowing, while in playgrounds, they develop shorter structures to withstand trampling pressure. Dandelions thriving in the undisturbed fringes of lawns and playgrounds have large flower stalk and leaves revealing the true extent of their growth potential when allowed to flourish in their natural state. These findings highlight dandelion's adaptability and resilience, attributed to phenotypic plasticity, which enables them to thrive across diverse ecological landscapes.