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 rosette leaflets in tight circular rings laid on the ground
produces long cyclindrical flower spikes
Plantago coronopus has pinnatisect deep, opposite lobing or lobed deeply indented margins, ciliate with fine hairs leaves
Plantago major has broadly ovate egg-shaped, wide at base or elliptic oval-shaped, small or no point leaves with a smooth or slightly dentate with 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.