diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
index a0006843..39d78fbb 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.ini
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 [matplotlib]
 description = Display or save images using Matplotlib
-provides = imshow
-
+provides = imshow, _app_show
 
diff --git a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
index e45c56b6..7fb70da2 100644
--- a/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
+++ b/scikits/image/io/_plugins/matplotlib_plugin.py
@@ -1 +1,5 @@
-from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow
+from matplotlib.pyplot import imshow, show
+
+def _app_show():
+    show()
+