Download Adaptations of Greater Plantain

Adaptations of Greater Plantain (Plantago major)
Description
Leaves in a rosette formation that can be 15-20cm in diameter
Each leaf is oval, between 5-20cm long and 4-9cm broad
Acute apex and smooth margin
Apex = the end of the leaf (tip) furthest away from centre of the plant
Acute = pointed end with straight sides
5 – 9 clearly visible veins running parallel to each other along the length of the leaf
The flowers are small, greenish- brown with purple stamens, produced in a dense like spike (5-15cm) on top of a stem
approximately 15cm tall.
Thick tough leaves.
Growing environment
It grow better than most other plants in compacted soils (e.g. beside paths, roadsides, pathways). It is also common in
grasslands.
It is wind pollinated, the seeds are held high above the ground on tall stems.
Adaptations to environment;
- Thick tough leaves are resistant to trampling
- Parallel veins in leaf give added strength
- Rosette shape allows plant to lie close to the ground protecting it from trampling and mowing
- Tall stem of the flower allows seeds to be dispersed (travel further in the wind, avoid being sheltered by other
plants)
- Tall stem is tough and “springy”, when trodden on it will bounce back allowing seeds to remain in the correct
position for dispersal