Plantaginaceae
Plantaginaceae
Plantaginaceae (pronounced: plan-ta-ji-na-ce-ae) is a family of flowering plants commonly referred to as the plantain family. The family is large, with over 90 genera and 1900 species.
Etymology
The name Plantaginaceae is derived from the genus Plantago, which is the type genus for the family. The genus name Plantago is derived from the Latin planta, meaning "sole of the foot", referring to the plant's low-growing habit.
Description
Members of the Plantaginaceae family are found worldwide, but are most diverse in the Mediterranean region. They are typically herbaceous plants, but some shrubs and small trees are also found in the family. The leaves are usually simple and arranged alternately or in a rosette. The flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, but some species have showy flowers.
Genera
Some of the notable genera in the Plantaginaceae family include:
- Digitalis: A genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials commonly called foxgloves.
- Veronica: A genus of about 500 species of herbaceous plants, known as speedwells.
- Plantago: A genus of about 200 species of small, inconspicuous plants commonly known as plantains.
Related Terms
- Flowering plant: A plant that produces flowers; the reproductive structure found in flowering plants.
- Genus: A rank in the biological classification (taxonomy) that groups closely related species.
- Species: The basic unit of biological classification and a taxonomic rank.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plantaginaceae
- Wikipedia's article - Plantaginaceae
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