Scientific Name: Plantago paradoxa Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: hairtuft plantain

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Plantaginaceae

Form Description: Perennial herb with a short rootstock and lance-like leaves with blunt teeth on the margins, 1.5-5cm long and arranged in a flat rosette. The upper surface of the leaves often have tufts of hairs on wart-like swellings near the teeth.

Height (m): 0.02 – 0.05

Flowers: 2-4 flowers occur together in heads, on hairy flowering stems which are only a few mm long at the time of flowering. In the fruiting stage, the flowering stems become upright and longer than the leaves.

Fruit: Capsule – opens by a lid.

Municipality
Break O’DayBurnieCentral CoastCentral HighlandsCircular HeadDerwent ValleyDorsetGlamorgan-Spring BayHuon ValleyKentishMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsWaratah-WynyardWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine Vegetation
Habitat Notes

Widespread in alpine and sub-alpine grassland.

General Notes

Attracts the migratory Meadow Argus butterfly (Junonia villida calybe), which lays its eggs on the leaves.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Treatment Method

Surface Sow Sow seed finely on the surface of the potting mix and cover with just enough mix to hold the seed on the surface when watered.

Seed Treatment Notes

Surface sow as light may increase germination. May have an after-ripening period. May be successful in direct seeding.