Genus of flowering plants
Leontodon is a genus of plants in the tribe Cichorieae within the family Asteraceae, commonly known as hawkbits.
Their English name derives from the mediaeval belief that hawks ate the plant to improve their eyesight. Although originally only native to Eurasia and North Africa, some species have since become established in other countries, including the United States and New Zealand.
Recent research has shown that the genus "Leontodon" in the traditional delimitation is polyphyletic. Therefore, the former "Leontodon" subgenus "Oporinia" was raised to generic level. According to the nomenclatural rules the name "Scorzoneroides" has priority at generic level and therefore, the members of "Leontodon" subgenus "Oporinia" were transferred to the re-erected genus "Scorzoneroides".
Ecology.
Seeds of "Leontodon" species are an important food source for certain bird species.
Uses.
In Crete, the roots of the species "Leontodon tuberosus" are eaten raw and its leaves are eaten steamed.
Secondary metabolites.
The genus "Leontodon" s.str. (i.e. excluding the members of the resurrected genus "Scorzoneroides") is a rich source of hypocretenolides, unique guaiane type sesquiterpene lactones with a 12,5-lactone ring instead of the usual 12,6 lactone ring.
Phenolics found in "Leontodon" species include luteolin type flavonoids and caffeoyl quinic acid derivatives such as chlorogenic acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Moreover, "Leontodon" species contain the caffeoyl tartaric acid derivatives caffeoyl tartaric acid and cichoric acid.
Species.
The following species are recognised in the genus "Leontodon":
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Further reading.
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References.
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