A perennial herb hailing from Europe and Western Asia. It is recognized for its adaptable nature and prevalence across various regions. With its small, white flowers that cluster around a brown, cylindrical head on a grooved stalk, it is a familiar sight in many temperate zones worldwide. Medicinally, it boasts a history dating back to ancient Greek and Roman practices. Renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, analgesic, and immune-boosting properties, ribwort plantain has been a staple in traditional medicine, particularly for treating skin ailments like cuts, scrapes, and bug bites. It is also acknowledged for its internal use, with consumption of the leaves believed to alleviate coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, and other respiratory issues. As an edible, the plant's leaves are known for their bitter taste and are commonly consumed both raw and cooked, or used as a tea. Interestingly, the unopened flower heads have a flavor akin to raw button mushrooms, adding a unique element to its culinary use. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.