koksaghyz

Koksaghyz, scientifically known as Taraxacum kok-saghyz, is a species of dandelion native to Kazakhstan. It is also referred to as the Russian dandelion or Kazakh dandelion. This plant is notable for its latex production, which contains rubber, making it a potential source of natural rubber. During the mid-20th century, there was significant interest in koksaghyz as a domestic source of rubber, particularly in the Soviet Union and the United States, as supplies from tropical regions were threatened.

The plant's root is the primary part from which rubber can be extracted. The process involves harvesting the roots, drying them, and then processing them to isolate the latex. Koksaghyz can be grown in temperate climates and is relatively hardy. Its cultivation was explored extensively during wartime periods when the availability of conventional rubber sources was unreliable. While it was successfully cultivated and used to produce some rubber, it was largely supplanted by petroleum-based synthetic rubber and the eventual resumption of natural rubber supplies from Southeast Asia. Research into koksaghyz for rubber production has seen sporadic revivals, with ongoing efforts to improve cultivation and extraction techniques.