Plantaginaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Flowers typically bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), often 2-lipped or spurred
• Corolla usually tubular, 4–5 lobed ; stamens usually 2 or 4 (didynamous)
• Fruit a capsule , often opening by pores or longitudinal slits
• Leaves variable — alternate , opposite , or whorled depending on genus
• Massively expanded under APG to include many genera formerly in Scrophulariaceae (figwort family)
• Includes terrestrial herbs, aquatic plants, and even some shrubs

Notable Genera

• Plantago (plantains)
• Digitalis (foxglove)
• Veronica (speedwells)
• Penstemon (beardtongues)
• Antirrhinum (snapdragons)
• Bacopa (water hyssops)
• Limnophila (marshweeds)
• Callitriche (water-starworts)

Notes

A highly heterogeneous family as currently circumscribed under APG — ranges from the wind-pollinated, reduced-flowered plantains to showy insect-pollinated foxgloves and snapdragons. Several genera are important aquatic or semi-aquatic plants in the aquarium trade (Bacopa, Limnophila). Digitalis is the source of the cardiac drug digitoxin. Plantago major is one of the world's most widespread weeds.