UNIVERSITY OF GUJRAT
Gordon College Rawalpindi
Assignment
Plant Systematics & Ethnobotany
Course Code: BOT-402
Course Instructor: Dr. Mehmoona Ilyas
Topic: Plantiginaceae Family
Introduction:
Name: Wajeeha Bibi
Roll No : 6036
Department: Botany (VII)
Date: 25-12-2023
Plantiginaceae
(Snap dragon / Plantain family)
Plantaginaceae, the plantain family, is a large, diverse family of flowering plants in the
order Lamiales that includes common flowers such as snapdragon and foxglove. It is unrelated
to the banana-like fruit also called "plantain." In older classifications, Plantaginaceae was the
only family of the order Plantaginales, but numerous phylogenetic studies, summarized by
the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, have demonstrated that this taxon should be included within
Lamiales.
Placement:
The plantain family as traditionally circumscribed consisted of only three genera: Bougueria, Littorella,
and Plantago. However phylogenetic research has indicated that Plantaginaceae sensu stricto (in the
strict sense) were nested within Scrophulariaceae (but forming a group that did not include the type
genus of that family, Scrophularia). Although Veronicaceae (1782) is the oldest family name for this
group, Plantaginaceae (1789) is a conserved name under the International Code of Botanical
Nomenclature (ICBN) and thus has priority over any earlier family name for a family including Plantago.
Furthermore, the ICBN does not consider family names published before 1789 to be names eligible for
conservation, thus ruling out Veronicaceae. The name Antirrhinaceae has been proposed for
conservation over Plantaginaceae. In the meantime, the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has accepted the
name Plantaginaceae. However, Olmstead (2003)[3] chose to use the name Veronicaceae, a later
synonym.
A group of genera including Lindernia has now been segregated as the family Linderniaceae, which is
recognized by Haston et al. 2007 (also known as LAPG II) as “Post-APG II family”.
Plantaginaceae sensu lato (in the broad sense) are a diverse, cosmopolitan family, occurring mostly in
temperate zones. The group consists of herbs, shrubs and also a few aquatic plants with roots (such as
the genus Callitriche). As the family is so diverse, its circumscription is difficult to establish.
The enlarged Plantaginaceae consists of 94 genera and about 1,900 species. [8] The largest genus
is Veronica, with about 450 species. Veronica also includes the
genera Hebe, Parahebe and Synthyris, formerly often treated as distinct. All genera of
Plantaginaceae were formerly included in Scrophulariaceae except where otherwise stated.
Phylogeny:
The family is closely related to Scrophulariaceae and Acanthaceae sharing the features of zygomorphic
flowers ,pentamerous flowers, stamens less than 5,bicarpellate superior ovary and fruit a capsule. The
genera were originally included under Scrophulariaceae from which they differ in having distinct
bithecous anthers dehiscing by 2 slits and absence of vertical partitions in heads of glandular hairs.
Thorne had earlier (1999, 2000) removed all three Plantago, Callitriche, and Hippuris to separate families
Plantaginaceae,Callitrichaceae and Hippuridaceae, respectively, and used the name Antirrhinaceae for
the family. Judd et al., (1999, 2002), APGII and APweb had, however, combined all the four families
under Plantaginaceae, a placement also followed subsequently (2003) by Thorne. Monophyly of the
family is supported by cDNA characters. Olmstead (2001) suggested the removal of Calceolaria (with
highly saccate corolla) and related genera to separate family Calceolariaceae, a change that has been
incorporated in APG II, APweb and Thorne (2003, 2007)
Major genera:
1) Veronica (350 species),
2) Penstemon (250),
3) Plantago (210),
4) Mimulus (130),
5) Linaria (110),
6) Antirrhinum (40),
7) Limnophila (32)
8) Globularia (25),
9) Gratiola (20),
10) Scoparia (20)
11) Digitalis (20).
Distribution:
110 genera , 2000 species
1) Habitat:
Cosmopolitan in nature, widely distributed from temperate to tropical regions, more diverse in
temperate regions , Plantago major is endemic species of Indonesia.
Aquatic genera Hippuris, with 1 species (H.vulgaris), Littorella, with 2 or 3 species, and Callitriche,
with 30 species are aquatic genera of this family.
2) Habit:
Herbs or small shrubs, rarely climbers (Antirrhinum cirrhosum), often with phenolic glycosides and
triterpenoid saponins, and sometimes with cardiac glycosides, hairs usually simple, when glandular with
short discoid head lacking vertical partitions.
3) Root:
fibrous roots , 6-10 inches in length, bitter in taste
4) Leaves:
Leaves are alternate or opposite, rarely whorled (Russelia), simple,entire or dentate ( toothed
margins) , venation pinnate, reticulate, stipules absent (estipulate)
5) Inflorescence:
Racemose: racemes spikes.
6) Flowers:
Bisexual, zygomorphic, hypogynous.
a) Calyx:
Calyx with 5 sepals, rarely 4 (Veronica), connate, persistent.
b) Corolla:
Corolla with 5 petals, rarely 4 (due to fusion of 2 petals as in Veronica), united,usually
bilabiate, sometimes with nectar sac or spur, lower lip sometimes with a bulge obscuring the throat
(personate), lobes imbricate or valvate
c) Androecium:
Androecium with usually 4 stamens, didynamous, fifth stamen sometimes present as a
staminode (Penstemon), rarely 2 (Veronica), epipetalous,inserted in corolla tube, filaments free anther
bilocular, locules distinct, opening by two longitudinal slits, pollen sacs divergent (anther sagittate),
pollen grains tricolporate.
d) Gynoecium
Gynoecium with 2 united carpels, rarely only 1 carpel developed(Globularia), ovary
superior, , ovules several in each chamber, rarely 1 or 2 (Globularia) unitegmic, ,style 1, stigma
bilobed, ovary seated on a nectary.
e) Placentation:
Axile placentation
7) Fruit:
. Fruit a septicidal capsule;
8) Seed:
seed angular or winged, with curved or straight
embryo, endosperm present.
9) Pollination:
Pollination by insects ( entomophillous) . Seeds or nutlets dispersed by wind ( anemophilous)
10) Floral Formula:
11) Floral Diagram:
:
12) Ethnobotanical Importance:
Major importance of Plantiginaceae family is due to its medicinal and ornamental uses which are
as follows:
1) Plantago major
Plantago major is commonly known as broadleaf plantain. The botanical name for this plant is
Plantago major.
Plantago major has various traditional and potential uses:
Medicinal Purposes: The leaves are often used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and
antibacterial properties. They can be applied topically to soothe minor skin irritations, wounds, or insect
bites.
Respiratory Health: Plantain leaves are sometimes used to make herbal teas or tinctures, believed to
have respiratory benefits, especially for conditions like coughs and bronchitis.
Digestive Aid: Some people use plantain leaves to make teas or infusions that may help with digestive
issues.
Anti-Inflammatory: It's believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and the leaves may be
used externally on the skin for conditions like eczema.
Edible Uses: Young leaves can be consumed in salads or cooked as a leafy green vegetable.
2) Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) has historical and contemporary uses, primarily due to the presence
of compounds called cardiac glycosides. However, it's important to note that improper use can be toxic,
and handling or consuming foxglove should only be done under the guidance of medical professionals.
Here are some uses:
Medicinal Use:
Cardiac Medications: Foxglove contains compounds like digoxin and digitoxin, which have been used in
the treatment of heart conditions. These compounds affect the heart's rhythm and strengthen
contractions.
Historical Use:
Traditional Medicine: In the past, extracts from foxglove were used in traditional herbal medicine for
various purposes, including treating edema and as a diuretic.
Garden Ornamental:
Aesthetic Value: Foxglove is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens for its tall spires of tubular
flowers, adding beauty to landscapes.
It's crucial to highlight the potential dangers of foxglove, as the same compounds that make it valuable
for medicinal purposes can be toxic in larger quantities. The therapeutic window is narrow, and improper
dosage can lead to serious health issues, including heart failure. Medical supervision is essential for any
use involving foxglove.
3) Veronica officinalis
Veronica officinalis, commonly known as Heath Speedwell, has been traditionally used for various
medicinal purposes. Some of its historical ethnobotanical uses include:
Respiratory Ailments:
Heath Speedwell has been used in traditional medicine to address respiratory issues. Infusions or
extracts from the plant were sometimes used to soothe coughs and respiratory discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
The plant was historically believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, and preparations made from
Heath Speedwell were sometimes used topically or internally to alleviate inflammation.
Wound Healing: Infusions or poultices( )مرہمmade from Veronica officinalis were applied to wounds to
promote healing. It was believed to have mild antiseptic properties
Digestive Aid:
In some traditional practices, Heath Speedwell was used to aid digestion. Infusions were consumed to
address mild digestive issues,.
4) Penstemon
Penstemon, commonly known as Beardtongue, comprises a diverse genus of flowering plants. While
specific uses can vary among different Penstemon species, here are some general aspects of its uses:
Ornamental Gardening:
Many Penstemon species are cultivated for their attractive tubular flowers, making them popular choices
in ornamental gardens and landscapes.
Pollinator Attraction:
The tubular flowers of Penstemon are often attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds,
contributing to garden biodiversity.
Native American Ethnobotany:
Some Native American tribes historically used certain Penstemon species for medicinal purposes. For
example, the Navajo used Penstemon palmeri for treating conditions like coughs and colds.
Potential Medicinal Uses:
While not as extensively studied as some other plants, some Penstemon species are believed to have
potential medicinal properties.
Erosion Control:
In landscaping and ecological restoration, certain Penstemon species are utilized for erosion control due
to their hardiness and ability to establish in various soil types.
Inshort ,we can summarize the ethnobotanical use of Plantiginaceae as follows:
1)Plantago major (Greater Plantain): Used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties
and as a remedy for skin conditions.
2)Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove): Contains compounds used in medicine, particularly in the
treatment of heart conditions.
3) Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon): Ornamental plant appreciated for its colorful flowers in
gardens.
5) Veronica officinalis (Heath Speedwell): Historically used for its astringent properties and to
treat respiratory issues.
6)Russelia equisetiformis (Firecracker Plant): Ornamental plant known for its cascading,
tubular red flowers.
7) Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax): Often used as ground cover in gardens
7) Kickxia elatine (Sharp-leaved Fluellen): Has been used in traditional medicine for various
ailments.
8) Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax): Used in traditional herbal medicine for its purported
diuretic and laxative properties.
9) Penstemon spp. (Beardtongue): Ornamental plants with tubular flowers, popular in gardens.
10) Mimulus spp. (Monkeyflower): Widely cultivated for its colorful flowers in gardens, and
some species have traditional medicinal uses.
