Dark plantain (Plantago atrata, Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst 179:85. 1799)

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Hoppe

Bibliography: Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst 179:85. 1799

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Plantago

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Europe

Description

Plantago atrata: The Resilient Dark Plantain

Plantago atrata, commonly known as Dark Plantain, is a distinguished member of the Plantaginaceae family. First documented in the late 18th century by botanist Hoppe in his work published in “Bot. Taschenb. Anfänger Wiss. Apothekerkunst” in 1799, this perennial herb has continued to intrigue botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Distribution and Habitat

Dark Plantain primarily thrives in the diverse terrains of Central and Southern Europe. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in a variety of environmental conditions, from rocky alpine regions to more temperate grasslands. This widespread distribution suggests a robust and hardy nature, capable of withstanding different climates and soil conditions.

Botanical Description

Plantago atrata features distinctive dark green leaves, a characteristic that undoubtedly contributes to its common name. These leaves are typically lanceolate to ovate, forming a basal rosette close to the ground. The plant produces erect inflorescences where tiny, inconspicuous flowers bloom, arranged in dense spikes that are more evident upon closer inspection. The coloration ranges from dull green to brownish hues, blending well with its natural surroundings.

Ecological Importance

Beyond its visual appeal, Plantago atrata plays a vital role in its ecosystem. It serves as a food source for various insects, including some species of butterflies and moths whose larvae depend on plantain leaves for nourishment. Additionally, its presence helps in soil stabilization, preventing erosion in areas where it naturally occurs.

Conservation and Significance

The resilience of Plantago atrata makes it an important species for ecological balance in the regions it inhabits. Its ability to adapt contributes to the botanical diversity of the European flora, making it a subject of interest for conservationists aiming to preserve native plant species.

In conclusion, Plantago atrata or Dark Plantain, through its hardy nature and ecological significance, underscores the intrinsic value of European native plants. The documentation by Hoppe paves the way for continued study and appreciation of this enduring species.

Common Names

Deu: berg-wegerich
Pol: babka górska
En: Dark Plantain
Fr: Plantain noirâtre, Plantain de montagne
De: Berg-Wegerich
It: Piantaggine nera
Pl: Babka górska
: Dark plantain

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Zillah Zillah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Ca Ta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Ca Ta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Ca Ta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by guy mercier (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Claudia Preker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Ca Ta (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2021 by guy mercier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 1995 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 4, 2022 by Natalia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8083357)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684903-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Plantago atrata Hoppe)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5