Greater plantain, Englishman's foot
Plantago asiatica subsp. erosa

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It has fibrous roots. The leaves are all at the base. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 2-11 cm long by 0.8-5.5 cm wide. They are oval. The flowers are greenish and in slender spikes. The fruit is a capsule. It has 2 cells. There are 4-8 small black seeds.

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

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 2000-4600 m altitude. It grows on open, moist land. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are usually stewed or made into soup.

It is only occasionally eaten. Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ahuoyukui, Bijauni phul, Doni-hankang, Dziipao, Esapgol, Isapgol, Mepi-hamang, Pah-vu, Skhor-blang, Talak ao, Tugjur-muk, Vobilche, Way bread, White man's foot, Yayinyou, Yempat

Synonyms

Plantago centralis Pilg.; Plantago erosa Wall.; Plantago major var. angusta (Pilger) Yamazaki;