Psyllium

Psyllium or Plantago ovata is a small annual herbaceous plant native to India and the Mediterranean. Also known as Plantain of India, this plant has erect stems of 10 to 50 cm tall on average. Slightly duvetous, its leaves are opposite, verticulated, narrow and pointed. They are pale green with a whitish hue. The psyllium stems are also covered with a light down and have inflorescences with small or tight ears. Small and numerous, its flowers display a beautiful ivory colour and give fruit in summer composed of brown, shiny and tiny seeds. Psyllium seeds are wrapped in a layer called tegument. The latter is of great interest to naturopaths and gourmets.