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Project Noah Nature School
Dipsacus fullonum
The sessile leaves merge at the stem making a cup-like formation. Rain water can collect in this receptacle; this may perform the function of preventing sap-sucking insects such as aphids from climbing the stem, implying partial carnivory. Teasels have prickly stem and leaves, and inflorescences of purple, dark pink flowers at the end of the stem. The inflorescence is 4–10 centimetres long with basal spiny bracts. The first flowers begin opening in a belt around the middle of the flowerhead,as it can be seen in the picture. They open sequentially toward the top and bottom, forming two narrow belts. The dried head persists afterwards, with the small seeds maturing in mid autumn. The leaf shape is lanceolate, 20–40 centimetres long and 3–6 centimetres broad, with a row of small spines on the underside of the midrib. The seeds are an important resource for some birds, specially goldfinches.
Spotted in onpen land in mountain terrain. Parque Natural de Somiedo
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/800 sec., f/14, ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm. No flash fired.
Spotted on Aug 16, 2016
Submitted on Feb 22, 2017
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