Species: Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Family: Plantains (PLANTAGINACEAE)
Category: Flowering Plants
Location: NW
A. Flowering Plants
More extensive information on flowering plants can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Plantains (PLANTAGINACEAE)
Many members have flat leaves that seem to lay on the ground, hence the derivation of the name from the Latin 'planta', sole of the foot. The flowers are on long, leafless stalks. The best known plantain is the banana.
C. Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
The brown flowers from April sit above the lanceolate leaves of this common native plant. Mashed plantain leaves are effective for burns, cuts (they stem blood flow), haemorrhoids, insect bites and stings, and sunburn. Plantain tea is taken for bronchitis, relieves sore throats and the symptoms of colds and flu, and also kidney and bowel disorders. Pick the stamens off a flower, make a wish, and keep the remainder of the flower under the pillow overnight. If new stamens develop the wish will come true. A game like conkers was played with the seed heads. Each picks one with a long stem and takes it in turns to strike the other, to try and knock the seed head off. Also, tie the seed head in a knot and flick it to see whose seed head travels furthest. Plantains are called 'mother-die', as this is what happens when they are taken indoors.
Images
Ribwort Plantain
In April the brown flowers of Ribwort Plantain sit above the lanceolate leaves of this common native plant.
Ribwort Plantain
Mashed plantain leaves are effective for burns, cuts (they stem blood flow), haemorrhoids, insect bites and stings, and sunburn.
Ribwort Plantain
The flowers of Ribwort Plantain are on long, leafless stalks.
Ribwort Plantain
Plantains are called 'mother-die', legend has it, as this is what happens when they are taken indoors.
Ribwort Plantain
Plantain tea is taken for bronchitis, relieves sore throats and the symptoms of colds and flu, and also kidney and bowel disorders.
Ribwort Plantain
Here the pale yellow anthers of Ribwort Plantain have appeared in early May.
