Psyllium are produced commercially in several European countries, the | former Soviet Union and India. Plantago seed, known commercially as black, French, or Spanish psyllium, is obtained from P. psyllium L. also known as P. arenaria. Seed produced from P. ovata is known in trading circles as white or blonde psyllium, Indian plantágo, or isábgol. Isabel or ispaghol in Pakistan) the common name in India for Povata, comes from the Persian words asp and gul, meaning "horse flower" which is descriptive of the shape of the seed. India dominates the world market in x the production and export of psyllium. A Plantago ovata is an annual herb that grows to a height of 30–46 cm (12–18 in). Leaves are opposite, linear or linear lanceolate 1 cm X 19 cm 0.39 in * 7.48 in). The root system has a well-developed tap root with few fibrous secondary roots. A large number of flowering shoots arise from the base of the plant. Flowers are numerous, small, and white. Plants flower about 60 days after planting. The seeds are enclosed in y capsules that open at maturity