plantain

Any of a group of northern temperate plants. The great plantain (P. major) is low-growing with large oval leaves close to the ground, grooved stalks, and spikes of green flowers with purple anthers (in which the pollen matures) followed by seeds, which are used in bird food. (Genus Plantago, family Plantaginaceae.)

The most common introduced species is the ribwort plantain (P. lanceolata), native to Europe and Asia and a widespread weed in Australia, Europe, and America. Many other species are troublesome weeds.

A type of banana is also known as plantain.