Hypochaeris glabra L.
Family: Asteraceae, Tribe: Chicorieae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
none
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
smooth catsear
Primary Disseminule Type
2 fruit types—1 without beak and the second may have part of the beak and pappus missing
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit of two types of cypsela.
Outer cypselae oblanceolate, cross-section terete, stout, truncate at apex, beakless, 2–4 mm long x 0.6–0.9 mm diameter. Surface dark brown (sometimes purplish), longitudinally 10-ribbed (ribs muricate or scabrid throughout their lengths). Pappus of tawny, spreading, persistent bristles in two series—outer barbellate and shorter (2–3 mm long) than the plumose inner (6–10 mm) series.
Inner cypselae fusiform, beaked (beak slender, 3–4 mm long, grading into the color of the rest of the body), 3–4 mm long (without beak) x 0.6–0.9 mm diameter. Surface and pappus as described above.
Style base an inconspicuous mound to a long narrow cylinder.
Fruit attachment scar basal, a shiny, orangish, segmented, cup-like structure situated at an oblique angle (50–90°).
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI