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UNLIKE in a desert, the local landscape seems to be forever green, with the greenery seemingly stretching as far as the eye can see.  In short, the expanse of vegetation on land is endless. 

This is where the opportunities are aplenty for anyone who is keen to rake in the bucks or just to make life more interesting. Some kampung folks have even rode on the internet horse to make a name for themselves in certain plants and at the same time convert it into a profitable venture.

A short video I saw some time ago was about a Sabahan KDM lady who came up with a kampung plant while explaining the process of converting the item into a herbal drink that she claimed to be effective against certain urinary problems.  

It was a good video as she showed the process of cleaning up the plant, cutting it up and then simmering the contents in a pot.

The plant used by our great Sabahan lady is none other than the broadleaf plantain or greater plantain.  This variety of plant is without doubt easily found in many kampung lands.

In urban built-up areas, it is considered a wayside plant as no one gives half a hoot to the wonderful creation of nature that many rural folks have great respect for.

Broadleaf plantains are native to certain regions in Europe and Asia.  The plant is an evergreen that is also herbaceous, terrestrial and perennial in nature.  

Its height is usually within the range of 15-40 cm with its inflorescences extending slightly higher than that.  It is interesting to note that a single plant may produce thousands of tiny seeds which are easily dispersed through several mechanisms.

Leaves are round to oval and slightly heart-shaped.  Leaf blades are about 10 cm in width and 15 cm in length with a rounded or blunt tip. They are borne on petioles that are nearly as long as or even longer than the leaf blade.  

Leaves all bear a central mid-rib that splits the blade into roughly two halves.  On each side of the mid-rib can be found several curved but prominent veins that run nearly parallel to each other.  

All leaves are distributed in a rosette with the tendency for the lower leaves to hug the ground.  The younger leaves appear to be taller but as they mature and grow older, they tend to sag.  This adds to its appearance as a ground-hugging herbaceous plant.

Dispersal of broadleaf plantains

Broadleaf plantains can be found all over the state.  The plant has naturalised itself under all environments, terrain and soil conditions.  For instance, it is even possible to easily find such plants in the distant rural areas across many farmlands, jungles and fruit orchards.  

The different fertility levels of the various kinds of soils are no barrier to broadleaf plantains surviving or even growing well without any gardening care or maintenance.

Because of its tough survival ability, it is therefore even possible to find it growing in disturbed places, by the sides of roads, neglected lands and areas that are often trodden on.

This is not surprising considering that broadleaf plantains are very efficiently dispersed through a number of natural means without human intervention.  Firstly, the seeds are easily expelled when the mature fruit pods turn dehiscent and dry up.  

Any movement, including those caused by wind, may thus result in tiny explosions that blast out the seeds in all directions,

Secondly, seeds of broadleaf plantains are easily dispersed via rain or water flows.  These may be powerful enough to carry the seeds to great distances to grow new colonies of plants.

Water also aids in causing the external coat of the seeds to soften up to become sticky which is perfect for sticking onto passing legs of animals and humans and their shoes. In this way, seeds are transported to greater distances for them to colonised new grounds.

And yet another route for the dispersal of seeds is via disturbances caused by human activity, such as soil preparation, distribution and transport.  The widespread use of tools, equipment and machinery also contribute to the dispersal of seeds as the latter is likely to stick onto anything that they get into contact with.

With such plentiful seeds, it is therefore natural for the plant to spread easily and quickly, which is much aided by its ability to set root even on very poor soils and marginal growing conditions.

Uses of broadleaf plantain

It may seem incredible but a humble plant like the broadleaf plantain is edible, that’s right, it is edible.  Its culinary uses may surprise even some Michelin chefs.  As an item of food, the uses of young tender leaves are limitless.  

But some of the most common dishes that can be stirred up and served on the table include the dish in which a generous amount of belacan, chilli, tuhau and pounded dried prawns are thrown into the kuali, stirred and served quickly.

Alternatively, the leaves may be consumed raw as in salads, preferably with some sauce such as tomato, chilly, oyster, or soybean sauce.

Another use is to brew the leaves after which the medicinal tea concoction is extracted and gulped down.  It is claimed that it helps to alleviate cough, cold, fever and digestive problems.  

Also, pounded leaves may be applied on superficial wounds to stop bleeding and ensure an earlier healing.  A number of other traditional medicinal uses are also applicable such as to treat symptoms of common cold, stomach disorders and diarrhoea, etc.

However, with regards to traditional medicinal uses for the plant, it is best to consult an accredited sing sang in town for advice before going all out to consume the plant.

The above writer may be reached at: onggrow@yahoo.com