CLASS IV. ORDER I. 53 



jecting styles give to the whole a bristly aspect. The appear- 

 ance of this shrub on elevated ground, often indicates the pre- 

 sence of springs of water. 



58. PLANTAGO. 



Plantago major. L. Large Plantain. 



Leaves ovate, smoothish, somewhat toothed with 

 rather long footstalks ; scape round ; flowers imbri- 

 cated ; seeds numerons. Sm. 



This vegetable, which grows at every one's door, and not the 

 less for being trampled under foot, is in considerable repute 

 among many people as a refrigerant external application. Leaves 

 spreading on the ground, on channelled footstalks containing 

 strong fibres, like others of the genus, which draw out when the 

 stalks are broken. Spikes very long and close. As in others of 

 the kind, the flowering commences at bottom and proceeds very 

 gradually toward the top. — Flowers most of the summer. — 

 Perennial. 



Plantaijo lanckolata. L. Hibioort or field Plantain. 



Leaves lanceolate, tapering at each end ; spike 

 ovate, naked ; scape angular. Sni. 



Distinguished from the last by its narrow leaves, short spikes, 

 and furrowed stalk. The leaves are lanceolate, acute, entire, 

 and strongly ribbed. Stalk upright, deeply channelled. Spike 

 dark colored, ovate, with a circle of projecting, whitish sta- 

 mens. — Pastures and road sides. — From May to October. — 

 Perennial. 



Plantago maritima. L. Sea Plantain. 



Leaves linear, mostly entire, channelled, woolly at 

 the base; spike cylindrical, scape round. Sni. 



Found on salt marshes and known by its leaves, which are 

 fleshy, linear-subulate, and hollowed out on their inner side. 

 Spike cylindrical, of short or moderate length. — Flowers in July 

 and August. — Perennial, 



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