Plantago

The Latin name Plantago is thought to mean "plant that acts", alluding to the medicinal properties attributed to it by the Romans. They claimed that crushing the leaves and applying them to lesions or bites would heal them. Although not particularly tasty, this plant is edible cooked or even raw. It can be found in lawns and meadows. It is characterised by a flowering spike emerging from a clump of thick leaves, with large veins running from the base.