Psyllium
Plantago affra

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

Plantago affra is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in leaf from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry places in S. Europe.

S. Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 3

Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds.

Antidiarrhoeal: Provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea. Also see Astringent.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position. This species is closely related to P. arenaria.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. afrum. (L.)Mirb. P. psyllium. L. (1762, non 1753).