Growth of microspecies of different sections of Taraxacum in climatic chambers

Growth characteristics of 13 microspecies of Taraxacum have been studied in climatic chambers during the 3rd, 4th and 5th week after germination by weekly recording the production of root and shoot biomass at three different temperatures. Of all plants harvested the results of the measurements of dry weight, root/shoot ratios, leaf areas, number of leaves, leaf area ratios, specific leaf areas and relative growth rates are given and discussed in relation to the section, the ploidy level and the habitat of the microspecies. In general, microspecies of the sections Taraxacum and Hamata, originating from productive environments show a high biomass production and large leaf areas. They form relatively few but large leaves. Microspecies of the sections Spectabilia and Palustria from low-productive environments have a low biomass production and small leaf areas. They bear relatively small leaves. So a correlation between growth characteristics and the nutritional potential of the habitat was established, which may be partly interpreted as indicative of an adaptation.