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The plantain plant is a gigantic herb that springs from an underground stem, or rhizome. Most varieties are 3–10 metres (10–33 feet) tall and have a conical false “trunk” formed by the leaf sheaths of long spirally arranged leaves. The fruit, which is green to brown-yellow, is typically larger than the common banana and is borne in bunches.

This perennial plant produces greenish flowers and has large, oval-shaped leaves that can be eaten raw or cooked. Despite sharing its name, plantain weed is unrelated to plantain fruit, which is a type of banana.

However, it’s not only edible and readily available but also has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In fact, plantain weed contains plant compounds that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.