Plantain family
(Plantaginaceae)
This famliy consists of only three
genera: Plantago (216-265 species), Littorella
(3 species of Europe and the Antarctic) and Bougueria
(1 species of the Andes in South America). Scientists
agree that the family is closely related to the Figwort
(Scrophulariaceae) family.
Easily recognized, the plants of this family have basal
rosettes of parallel veined leaves from which the flower
spike arises. This spike contains many small four-merous
flowers that are generally wind-pollinated.
Statistics :
- Genera/Species - 3/220-270
- U.S./Canadian - 2 genera; 43 species
- Economic plants - Plantago
(mucilaginous seeds of several species are used medicinally
as laxatives; an example is psyllium)
- Ornamental plants - Littorella
uniflora (shoreweed, shore-grass; used in aquariums);
Plantago (some species cultivated in rock
gardens)
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