Wild One Cyprus

foraging food

Plantain

Λιθόσπαστος

Boğaotu

Scientific Name: Plantago coronopus, Plantago major

other names: rock breaker, Πεντάνευρον

AVAILABLE: MAR-JUN

EDIBLE PARTS:

Description

Plantain leaves form a rosetteleaflets in tight circular rings laid on the ground
produces long cyclindrical flower spikes
Plantago coronopus has pinnatisectdeep, opposite lobing or lobeddeeply indented margins, leaves with fine hairs
Plantago major has broadly ovateegg-shaped, narrow at base or ellipticoval-shaped, small or no point with a smooth or slightly dentatewith symmetrical teeth margin and prominent parallel veins

preparation

pick tender leaves for salads
steam or boil and serve with olive oil and lemon
allow to air dry, crush and use for tea

extra info

Plantago amplexicaulis
Plantago albicans
Plantago afra
Plantago squarrosa
Plantago sarcophylla
Plantago lagopus
Plantago notata
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago ovata
Plantago loeflingii
Plantago uliginosa
Plantago maritima subsp. crassifolia

Many cooking bananas are referred to as plantains. Cooking bananas are in the genus Musa and are unrelated to the genus Plantago.