Brown-ribbed Dandelion
Taraxacum pannulatum
The Brown-ribbed Dandelion (Taraxacum pannulatum) is a rare perennial herb distinguished by its distinctive brown-veined leaves and pale yellow flower heads that are smaller than those of common dandelions. This specialized dandelion species plays a crucial role in supporting endemic pollinators and contributes to the genetic diversity of alpine plant communities through its unique adaptations to harsh montane conditions.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Asterales
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Taraxacum
Brown-ribbed Dandelion belongs to the family Asteraceae, order Asterales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
The Brown-ribbed Dandelion (Taraxacum pannulatum) is a rare perennial herb distinguished by its distinctive brown-veined leaves and pale yellow flower heads that are smaller than those of common dandelions. This specialized dandelion species plays a crucial role in supporting endemic pollinators and contributes to the genetic diversity of alpine plant communities through its unique adaptations to harsh montane conditions.
The Brown-ribbed Dandelion faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns and temperature shifts that affect its specialized alpine and subalpine habitat requirements.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species is restricted to rocky limestone outcrops and scree slopes at elevations between 2,200-3,100 meters, typically found in crevices and ledges with well-drained, alkaline soils. It thrives in areas with late-melting snow patches that provide consistent moisture during the brief growing season.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Brown-ribbed Dandelion faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Climate change poses additional pressure through altered precipitation patterns and temperature shifts that affect its specialized alpine and subalpine habitat requirements.
Agricultural expansion
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Climate change impacts
Urban development
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Brown-ribbed Dandelion (Taraxacum pannulatum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/brown-ribbed-dandelion