“Did you see that woman? She behaves like a witch. I do not like her. Her son plays in the fields of priest’s crown. You know, those yellow flowers that are a weed,” said Margarita.
“Well what can you expect from a woman that was born overseas – probably in an ignorant country – with no education. And she is not aware that she is going to poison her son”, replied Beth.
“I have seen her little boy picking up those flowers and handing them to her. She puts them to her nose and pretends to smell the aroma of the flowers. Then, she puts the flowers in her pocket and carries them.” Said Margarita. “I wonder what does she do with them?”
…
“Oh, you found a lovely taraxacum for me, my son! It is lovely. Thank you. I am going to carry it home and put it in a vase, what do you think?”
“It’s all right mum, I like to give you these flowers. I know that you like them. Why do you like them so much mum?”
“Because these little yellow flowers that look like an invasive herb, make the fields in spring look like a magnificent golden garden in yellow and green. They do not cost much, they only take their nutrients from the sun and the soil, and they give us so much.
“These little yellow flowers can be eaten, or can be used as medicine. The Chinese, and the European people used them in that way to treat infections and liver problems, as well as a diuretic. They are good food for the wildlife and benefit the soil where they are because they add nutrients like nitrogen.
“And as for me, my son, they are the most beautiful and valuable flowers because you gave them to me.”
“What do you call these little flowers mum?”
“Their name is Taraxacum, but the name most used is one that comes from French: Dent de lion, referring to the shape of their leaves. It means Dandelion.”
“Mum, why are those two ladies looking at us?”
“I do not know, but because we are in a park everybody has the right to be here.”
“Maybe they like the dandelions too. What do you think?”
“I can offer one flower each, if they like them so much.”
“It is not necessary, my son, they can pick their own if they want.”
I.
Image credit: Tim Parkes, Alamy
Tandi Tales 