Plantago

The plantains (Plantago, Plantaginaceae) are small, wind-pollinated rosette herbs. There are about 20 species of Plantago in New Zealand. Ten of the eleven native species are endemic to New Zealand. (Plantago triantha is also native to Tasmania, Australia.) In addition, several introduced plantains are common roadside and garden weeds in New Zealand.

Some native plantains are common and widespread at lower elevations, whereas others are restricted to alpine habitats.

The genus comprises over 200 species worldwide, several of which have medicinal uses.