Taraxacum, commonly known as dandelion, might bring to your mind images like this:

But on a vast patch of wetland at the foot of Qilian Mountain Range in northwest China, this is what it might look like:

Actually, Taraxacum is a large genus of flowering plants. Most are edible and some even have many health benefits and thus are used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Growing across China, it has different variations according to its location, for example in Tibet it has yellow flowers.

Compared with others, the Taraxacum on the wetland surrounding the Sugan Lake in Gansu Province in the country's northwest has bigger blowballs and thicker hair.

Series Introduction:

Qilian Mountains – a world unto itself.

The Qilian Mountains are a critical mountain range in NW China, home to numerous animals and plants that the country considers to be treasures.

In this series, CGTN Nature's crew takes you on a journey into the mountains, valleys, and deserts, presenting you the true Qilian.

Watch More:

Moss on Qilian Mountains: Humble but important

The natural artwork of the Danxia landform in NW China

Toadhead agama: The lizard roaming the desert

Yardang landform – the power of wind

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)