Shade plantain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shade plantain |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Plantago
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| Species: |
debilis
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Plantago debilis, also known as shade plantain or weak plantain, is a small plant that grows in Australia. It's a type of herb, which means it's a plant with soft stems, not woody ones like trees.
About the Plant
Plantago debilis is a small plant, usually growing up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall. It can be an annual, meaning it lives for just one year, or a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. This plant is a herb, which means it has soft, green stems, not woody ones. It has green or white flowers and a thin taproot that goes deep into the ground.
Plant Names
Scientists give plants special names to help identify them. The name Plantago debilis was first given to this plant by a botanist named Robert Brown in 1810.
The second part of its scientific name, debilis, comes from a Latin word. It means "weak," "feeble," or "frail." This might describe how the plant looks or grows.
Where It Grows
This plant is native to Australia, which means it naturally grows there. You can find it in every state and territory across the country. Plantago debilis likes to grow in damp, sandy soils.
Traditional Uses
The Noongar people, who are Aboriginal people from southwest Western Australia, used Plantago debilis for medicine. They would heat and crush the leaves to make a liquid. This liquid was then used to create poultices, which are soft, moist cloths applied to the body. These poultices helped treat sprains, skin sores, and boils.
