The Russian dandelion, known scientifically as Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS), is a species of dandelion native to the temperate regions of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. It was first identified by Soviet scientists in 1932 during a search for a domestic rubber source. This plant is distinguished from the more familiar dandelion species by its capacity to produce high-quality natural rubber. Its discovery marked the beginning of its journey as a plant of significant industrial interest.
Distinguishing from the Common Dandelion
While a relative of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), the Russian dandelion possesses several distinct physical traits. The leaves of T. kok-saghyz are more upright and have a grayish-green hue, with leaf margins that are nearly smooth and round. This contrasts with the common dandelion’s heavily jagged, pinnate-shaped leaves.
Another difference lies in the floral structure. The Russian dandelion has horn-like appendages on the bracts that surround the flower bud, a feature absent in the common dandelion. The flower heads themselves are about one inch in diameter, composed of 50 to 90 individual florets.
The most significant anatomical difference is in the root system. The roots of T. kok-saghyz are the primary storage location for latex, the milky fluid that contains rubber. These roots are specifically adapted for this purpose, containing a network of latex-producing tubes called laticifers that run alongside the vascular tissues.
A Natural Source of Rubber
The latex from the Russian dandelion is a complex emulsion containing rubber particles, which are polymers of the organic compound isoprene. When processed, these polymers link together to form natural rubber. The rubber from T. kok-saghyz has an average molecular weight very similar to that of rubber from the traditional rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis.
Historically, this plant was investigated as a strategic resource. During World War II, when supplies of rubber from Hevea plantations were disrupted, countries like the United States and Canada established research plots to cultivate T. kok-saghyz. The goal was to secure a reliable, domestic supply of this material for the war effort.
Tires manufactured using dandelion rubber have demonstrated resilience on par with those made from conventional sources. The dry root of the plant contains a notable concentration of rubber, alongside other compounds like inulin, a type of carbohydrate with applications in the food industry. This combination of a high-quality rubber and other useful by-products makes it an attractive alternative crop.
The Extraction and Production Process
The process of obtaining rubber from the Russian dandelion begins with the harvest of its mature roots, which can occur after a single growing season. Once harvested, the roots must be processed to separate the valuable rubber particles from the rest of the plant material. This extraction is a multi-step procedure that has been refined over time to improve efficiency and yield.
First, the harvested roots are thoroughly cleaned and then ground into a fine pulp. This grinding action breaks down the cellular structure of the roots, releasing the latex contained within the laticifer network. The resulting slurry contains a mixture of rubber particles, plant biomass, and other soluble compounds.
Next, a solvent is used to separate the rubber from the non-rubber components. Water is a common solvent in this process, creating an aqueous solution from which the rubber particles can be isolated. The rubber, being insoluble in water, can be separated from the water-soluble parts of the plant material through physical means, such as centrifugation or filtration. The final step involves purifying and drying the collected rubber to prepare it for industrial use.
Modern Cultivation and Applications
Renewed interest in the Russian dandelion is driven by the desire for a sustainable and geographically diverse source of natural rubber. Unlike the Hevea brasiliensis tree, which is restricted to tropical climates, T. kok-saghyz thrives in temperate regions. This allows for cultivation in areas like North America and Europe, reducing reliance on traditional rubber-producing regions.
It is being cultivated in experimental fields and scaled up for industrial production. One of the most prominent applications is in the manufacturing of tires. Major tire companies have invested in developing dandelion-based rubber, aiming to create a more sustainable product line.
Beyond tires, the rubber from T. kok-saghyz can be used in a wide array of other products that currently depend on Hevea rubber. These include items like gloves, hoses, and various industrial components.