Ribwort Plantain
Plantago lanceolata
Observed in an agricultural area near Kitale, Kenya. December 2012.
FLOWERS: Very small flowers are grouped into a conical or cylindrical
cluster at the terminous of a tall, slender stem. The small, white petals are
obscure, but the papery sepals enlarge after flowering.
PERENNIAL: A long-lived herbaceous perennial survives between seasons by
becoming partially dormant. Often blending in to turf grasses and weeds.
LEAVES: Leaves are clustered at ground level and are elongate. About
five prominent parallel veins.
RANGE: Orinally this plant is from the temperate areas of Europe and
Asia, but has since been dispersed to garden and farm areas worldwide. It is
possible that European colonists brought this weed into the Kenyan highlands
together with transplanted crop plants.
FRUIT: Dry oval capsule splits open at maturity releasing two small
seeds each.
UNARMED. No thorns.
