Taraxacum officinale dandelions from

Dandelions Taraxacum officinale, Asteraceae), a well known weed from temperate to tropical climates (Holm et al., 1997), is one of several alien species that have colonized the high Andes from Venezuela to Chile, especially in areas under anthropogenic disturbance. A recent study investigated the association of dandelions introduced from Europe with the cushion plant Azorella monantha (Apiaceae) between 3100 and 3300 asl with reference to survival facilitation of dandelion seedlings, their effect on native species growing on the invaded cushions, and photosynthetic performance (Cavieres et al., 2005). 

Taraxeral (14-taraxeren-3jS-ol). Formula, see triterpenes. C30H50O, Mr 426.73, mp. 282-283 °C, [ajp -t0.7° (CHCI3). T. is a triterpene widely distribute in the plant kingdom, isolated for the first time in 1923 from the bark of gray alder (Alntts incana). T. also occurs in the roots of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), in various alder species, rhododendron species, and Euphoibiaceae, as well as in some lichens. T. is derived from the taraxerane skeleton and has antigastritic properties. 

Amyrin a pentacyclic triterpene alcohol with one double bond. a-A. (a formal derivative of the hydrocarbon, 5-a-ursane) is found free, esterified and as the aglycon of triterpene saponins of many plants, and has been isolated from many latexes, e.g. latex of the dandelion. Taraxacum officinale. P-A. (P-amyrenol, a-viscol) (a formal derivative of the hydrocarbon, 5-a-oleane) is present in mistletoe leaves, grapeseed oil, latex of Taraxacum officinale it is found free, esterified and as the aglycon of triterpene saponins in many other plants, especially in species which yield caoutchouc and gutta percha. 

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