30 JUNE 1984, Page 20

Dandelion

Sir: I was very surprised to read P. J. Kavanagh's report (Postscript, 9 June) that `the air was filled with dandelion seedlings'. Surely some terminological inexactitude here. Seedlings are young, recently germinated plants, and as such have roots, stems, leaves, etc. Seeing such things 'fill the air' is an experience I hope I shall be spared. The dispersal structure of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a pappus-bearing achene, but if Mr Kavanagh thinks this phrase would have been too cramping to his prose style, I am sure 'seed' would have done just as well. I suspect, however, that some sort of diminutive was wanted. 'Seedier, perhaps?

Luigi Guarino

Department of Applied Biology, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge