Tragopogon sinuatus

301_9536 [Tragopogon sinuatus]

 

The flower head of Tragopogon sinuatus (or porrifolius) in moments of “beauty and glory”.

It normally remains wide open like this for a few hours and then the bracts close up to reopen later

and reveal a conspicuous pappus (next picture). 

 

Mt. Kyllini, May 12, 2009

 

 

804_0012 [Tragopodon sinuatus]

 The spherical clock-like pappus consists of numerous parachute-like seeds

that detach from their base and fall on the ground 

(One of them has been accidentally captured in this picture)

or are drifted by the wind to places where they can produce new plants in due time.

 

Mt. Hymittos, May 14, 2022

 

 

801_4670 [Tragopogon sinuatus]

 A “parachute-like seed” of Tragopogon sinuatus

magnified for details to be easily seen.