Plantago subulata

Plantago subulata · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Scientifically known as Plantago subulata, is a resilient perennial herb often called carpetweed. Native to various regions, this low-growing plant is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and small white flowers. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it is frequently utilized for its soothing properties and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

Family
Plantaginaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Plantago Humilis Subsp. Sarda · Plantago Maritima Var. Carinata · 62 more

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Plantago subulata

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

German:

  • Pfriemenblättriger Wegerich

French:

  • Plantain subulé
  • Plantain caréné
  • Plantain à feuilles en alène

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Plantago subulata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Plantaginaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Plantago.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Lamiales
Family Plantaginaceae
Genus Plantago

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence can be documented in both Austria and Belgium. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found within the southwestern European territories of France and Portugal. Additionally, the species is located on the island of Corse. Together, these locations highlight the plant's range across diverse European landscapes.

Region Area
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Southwestern Europe Corse
Southwestern Europe France
Southwestern Europe Portugal
Southwestern Europe Sardegna
Southwestern Europe Spain
Southeastern Europe Albania
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria
Southeastern Europe Greece

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Plantago subulata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the plant to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a hemicryptophyte, its perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, protected by leaf litter or the substrate, which facilitates its survival in various environments. This life form, categorized both as a hemicryptophyte and a hemi-cryptophyte, enables the species to maintain stability and regrow annually from its basal structure.

Life form :
hemicryptophyte
Lifecycle :
perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Plantago subulata is characterized by a low-growing, non-woody habit, typically reaching a plant height between a minimum of 0.1 m and a maximum of 0.3 m. It functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber and is an independent species, lacking any parasitic relationship with other organisms. While some related species may inhabit various moisture levels, this plant is categorized as terrestrial in its ecological niche, rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic. Furthermore, it is a strictly terrestrial organism, not exhibiting epiphyte behavior.

Aquatic :
terrestrial
Climber :
self-supporting
Epiphyte :
terrestrial
Parasite :
independent
Plant height max:
0.3 m
Plant height min:
0.1 m
Woodiness :
non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Plantago subulata is primarily driven by its flowering cycle, which occurs during the late spring and early summer months. The flowering period typically begins in May and concludes in July, although the specific timing can remain variable depending on environmental conditions. During this window, the plant produces inflorescences that facilitate the production of seeds, ensuring the continuation of the species through seasonal cycles.

Flowering time :
May
Flowering time :
Jul

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Plantago subulata has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 6-Deoxymelittoside.

Chemicals reported in Plantago subulata
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
6-Deoxymelittoside 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

6-Deoxymelittoside

  1. Phytochemistry