Teoriikehystä

Teoriikehystä, known by its scientific name *Hypochaeris radicata*, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and parts of western Asia but has been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is often considered a weed. The plant is commonly known by names such as cat's ear, false dandelion, or prickly cat's ear, reflecting its appearance.

The plant is characterized by its basal rosette of lobed leaves, which are typically hairy and somewhat rough to the touch, resembling a cat's ear. From this rosette, one or more hollow, leafless stems arise, each topped with a flower head. The flower heads are bright yellow and superficially resemble those of a dandelion, but they are usually smaller and have more numerous, finer ray florets. The plant produces a taproot, which can make it difficult to eradicate.

Teoriikehystä thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, pastures, lawns, and disturbed areas. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of conditions, including drought. While it can be a nuisance in agricultural settings and manicured landscapes due to its weediness, it also provides a source of nectar for pollinators. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine in some regions.