The psyllium plantain originates from the Mediterranean region and western Asia, where it mainly grows by the wayside, hence the name plantain.
The plant, leaves and fruit, as well as the seeds, are similar to Plantago ovata.
The seeds of the plant are also used phytotherapeutically: Plantaginis afrae seeds, psyllium seeds, Psyllii semen, corresponding to Plantaginis ovatae semen.