Chinese plantain
Plantago asiatica

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a large root. The plant is 20-60 cm tall. The leaves are near the base. Leaves are oval and 11-12 cm long by 4-9 cm wide. The leaves are entire but curled along the edges. The leaf stalk is as long as the leaf blade. The flowers are in erect spikes 20-45 cm tall. The flowers are white and do not have hairs.

The plantains or Plantaginaceae are mostly in temperate regions. There are about 165 Plantago species.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and temperate places. It grows in open humid areas. It grows in wetlands. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Britain, Canada, Canary Is, Central America, Chile, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Europe, Germany, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Korea, Kurdistan, Malaysia, Mexico, Middle East, Nepal, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russia, SE Asia, Siberia, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tibet, Trinidad, Turkey, Türkiye, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten. They are boiled and also used in stir fries. They are used in soup. They are also fermented in Kimchi, a Korean dish.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

A mei ye, Chengiancao, Che qian cao, Cheqiarizi, Ch'lgyong-i, Donyi hankeng, Hamaye, Jilgyeongi, Kaimenye, Ma de a, Ma de gan, Ma de thao, Ppaepjae-i, Sirapotta gida, Umeiheizhou, Xa thien, Ya yin ren

Synonyms

Plantago major Hook.f. in part, non Linn.;