About Plantago afra L.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
Plantago indica, commonly known as branched plantain, sand plantain, or black psyllium, is a flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, and is one of a few species in the Plantago genus under the common name psyllium.
Native and Introduced Range
The plant is native to parts of Africa, Europe, Russia, and Asia, and has been naturalized in many other areas such as Australia and North America.
Habitat
The plant can be found mostly in dry inland areas, such as those that are sandy, and has also naturalized on roadsides and in meadows.
Human Uses
The plant is not used broadly as a food source, but has been cultivated for its seeds which serve a medicinal use as a laxative.
