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Plantago affra - L.                
                 
Common Name Psyllium
Family Plantaginaceae
Synonyms P. afrum. (L.)Mirb. P. psyllium. L. (1762, non 1753).
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry places in S. Europe[50].
Range S. Europe - Mediterranean.
Edibility Rating  
Medicinal Rating  
Care
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun

Summary       

Physical Characteristics       
 icon of manicon of flower
Plantago affra is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in leaf 10-May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.The plant is self-fertile.


Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Plantago affra Psyllium


www.flickr.com/photos/10770266@N04
Plantago affra Psyllium
picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q8WCUxCTTXneCmN9vgQnbQ
   
Habitats       
 Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses                                         
Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - raw or cooked[177].
Medicinal Uses


Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antidiarrhoeal;  Laxative.

Plantain seeds contain up to 30% mucilage which swells up in the gut, acting as a bulk laxative and soothing irritated membranes[238]. Sometimes the seed husks are used without the seeds[238].
Other Uses
None known
Cultivation details                                         
Succeeds in any moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This species is closely related to P. arenaria[200].
                                                                                 
Propagation                                         
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer A sowing can be made outdoors in situ in mid to late spring if you have enough seeds.
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Expert comment                                         
 
      
Author                                         
L.
                                                                                 
Botanical References                                         
50200
                                                                                 
Links / References                                         

[50]? Flora Europaea
An immense work in 6 volumes (including the index). The standard reference flora for europe, it is very terse though and with very little extra information. Not for the casual reader.
[177]Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption.
An excellent book for the dedicated. A comprehensive listing of latin names with a brief list of edible parts.
[200]Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
[238]Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

Readers comment                                         
 
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