Plantago major

Plantago major is a herbaceous, perennial plant with a rosette of leaves , exceptionally , in diameter. Each leaf is oval-shaped, long and broad, rarely up to long and broad, with an acute apex, a smooth margin, and a distinct petiole almost as long as the leaf itself. There are five to nine conspicuous veins over the length of the leaf. The flowers are small, greenish-brown with purple stamens, produced in a dense spike long on top of a stem tall and rarely to tall. Each plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds, which are very small and oval-shaped, with a bitter taste. ==Taxonomy==

There are three subspecies: • Plantago major subsp. major. • Plantago major subsp. intermedia (DC.) Arcang. • Plantago major subsp. winteri (Wirtg.) W.Ludw. Broadleaf plantain is not closely related to the fruit also known as plantain, which is a kind of banana. ==Distribution and habitat==

The plant is native to most of Europe and northern and central Asia, but has widely naturalised elsewhere in the world. Plantago major grows in lawns and fields, along roadsides, and in other areas that have been disturbed by humans. It does particularly well in compacted or disturbed soils. is believed to be one of the first plants to reach North America after European colonisation. Reportedly brought to the Americas by Puritan colonizers, plantain was known among some Native American peoples by the common name "white man's footprint", because it thrived in the disturbed and damaged ecosystems surrounding European settlements. The ability of plantain to survive frequent trampling and colonize compacted soils makes it important for soil rehabilitation. Its roots break up hardpan surfaces, while simultaneously holding together the soil to prevent erosion. The seeds of plantain are a common contaminant in cereal grain and other crop seeds. As a result, it now has a worldwide distribution. ==Uses==

The mature plant contains pliable and tough fibres that can be used in survival situations to make small cords, fishing line, sutures, or braiding. Some cultivars are planted as ornamentals in gardens, including 'Rubrifolia' with purple leaves, and 'Variegata' with variegated leaves. The leaves are edible as a salad green when young and tender, but they quickly become tough and fibrous as they get older. The older leaves can be cooked in stews. The seeds are so small that they are tedious to gather, but they can be ground into a flour substitute or extender. Plantain contains phytochemicals including allantoin, aucubin, ursolic acid, flavonoids, and asperuloside. Plantain extract has been studied for its potential health effects. The root was used for fever and respiratory infections. 100 g of fresh leaves provides 18.4 kcal from 2.29 g protein, 2.03 g net carbohydrates and 0.18 g fat. They are high in fiber with 3.88 g fiber per 100 g. ==Gallery==

File:Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major) growing in crack in sidewalk.JPG|Growing in a crack in a sidewalk File:Plantago major flowers crop 01.jpg|Close-up of reduced, grass-like flowers File:Plantago major 05 ies.jpg|Developing fruits File:Purple Plantago major.JPG|Cultivar 'Rubrifolia' ==References==