Mexican plantain
Plantago australis

Family: Plantaginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20 cm tall and spreads 20 cm wide.

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

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,500 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Tasmania, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten. They are also eaten raw in salads.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Lantem, Llanten, Rorogochi, Rorokochari, Tanchagem, Tansagem

Synonyms

Plantago accrescens Pilg.; Plantago hirtella Kunth; and many others