Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Lobelia L. [209]

genus_ja:

genus_en:

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Campanulaceae

family_ja: キキョウ

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en:

description_en: Genus of about 370 species of annuals, perennials (including some aquatics), and shrubs, found in tropical and temperate areas worldwide, especially in North, Central, and South America. Their habitats range from marshes, wet meadows, and riverbanks, to woodland, well-drained hilly and mountainous slopes, and deserts. Valued for their often brightly coloured flowers, lobelias vary enormously, but all have simple, alternate, often stalkless leaves and 2-lipped, tubular flowers, each with 5 lobes, the upper 2 lobes often erect, the lower 3 often spreading and fan-like; the calyx tubes are sometimes swollen. The flowers are usually borne in terminal racemes or panicles, but may also be solitary. The popular Bowden Hybrids, sometimes grouped under L. x speciosa, are perennials with ovate-lance-shaped, pointed leaves, 10-15cm (4-6in) long, which are sometimes red-purple with matching stems. Their flowers, 2.5-3.5cm (1-1 1/2in) across, are borne in terminal racemes, 15-20cm (6-8in) long, from midsummer to early autumn. Perennials are effective beside water, or in a mixed border. Annuals are suitable for edging, or for a hanging basket or window-box. Aquatic species are useful in a wildlife pool. The shrubby and tree-like species are seldom grown. Contact with the milky sap may irritate skin.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy to frost tender. L. tupa is hardy to -10°C (14°F).

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F): sow seed of annuals in late winter, of perennials as soon as ripe. Divide border perennials in spring, aquatics in summer. Take bud cuttings of L. cardinalis in midsummer.

pests_en: Susceptible to slugs and leaf blotch, the latter especially on L. siphilitica. Crowns may rot in damp, mild conditions. L. splendens may be affected by viruses.

description_ja:

comment: Trop. and warm esp. America

comment_ja: ミゾカクシ，サワギキョウ

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2020-09-04 03:56

family: