PLANTAIN TRIBE. 525 



bitter and astringent ; the seeds abound in a tasteless 

 mucilage, which, is used in medicine as a substitute for 

 Linseed, and is said to be employed in France to stiffen 

 muslin. 



1. PLANTAGO (Plantain). Calyx 4-cleft, the segments 

 bent back ; corolla tubular, with 4 spreading lobes ; 

 stamens very long ; capsule splitting all round, 2 4- 

 celled. (Name of doubtful origin.) 



2. LITTORELLA (Shore-weed). Stamens and pistils in 

 different flowers ; barren flower stalked ; stamens very 

 long ; fertile flower sessile ; bracts 3, corolla tubular, 

 contracted at both ends ; style very long ; capsule 1- 

 seeded. (Name in Latin having the same meaning as 

 the English name.) 



1. PLANTAGO (Plantain). 



1. P. major (Greater Plantain). Leaves broadly egg- 

 shaped on long channelled stalks ; flowers in a long spike, 

 the stem of which is cylindrical ; cells of the capsule 

 many-seeded. Borders of fields and waysides, abundant. 

 Well known for its spikes of green flowers, the seeds of 

 which are a favourite food of Canary birds. IT June, 

 July. Perennial. 



2. P. media (Hoary Plantain). Leaves broadly ellip- 

 tical on short flat stalks ; flowers in a close cylindrical 

 spike, the stalk of which is also cylindrical ; cells of the 

 capsule 1 -seeded. Meadows, common. The leaves spread 

 horizontally from the crown of the root, and lie so close 

 to the ground as to destroy all vegetation beneath and 

 to leave the impression of their ribs on the ground ; the 

 spike is shorter than in P. major, but grows on a longer 

 stalk, and the flowers, which are fragrant, are rendered 

 conspicuous by their light purple anthers. FL June, 

 July. Perennial. 



3. P. lanceoldta (Ribwort Plantain). Leaves narrow, 

 tapering ; flowers in a short spike, the stalk of which is 

 angular ; cells of the capsule 1 -seeded. Meadows, abun- 

 dant. Under the name of Cocks and Hens this plant 



