lobelia

Lobelia is a genus of over 400 flowering plants in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. They are found worldwide in temperate and warmer regions, excluding central and eastern Europe and western Asia.

Lobelia species can be annual or perennial herbs or undershrubs, with diverse forms, including the arborescent "tree" lobelias in tropical Africa. Most have simple, alternating leaves and two-lipped tubular flowers with five lobes.

The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is one of the earliest described species, while the dwarf blue trailing lobelia (L. erinus) is a familiar bedding plant. Lobelia inflata, also known as Indian tobacco, was historically used in medicine as an expectorant but is now considered poisonous due to the presence of lobeline.

Lobelia plants, belonging to a genus of over 400 species, are native to most temperate and warmer regions, excluding central and eastern Europe and western Asia. They are herbs or undershrubs, with some species developing into shrubby or tree-like forms in tropical African mountains.

Most lobelia plants feature simple leaves arranged alternately along the stems. Their flowers are typically tubular and two-lipped, generally displaying five lobes, often with two erect upper lobes and a lower fan formed by the remaining three.

Examples of notable species include the North American cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) with crimson flowers. Another is the dwarf blue trailing lobelia (L. erinus) from South Africa, commonly used as a bedding plant. The L. tupa, a Chilean perennial, can grow to 1.8 to 2.4 metres (6 to 8 feet) high and has reddish or scarlet flowers.

Lobelia plants, from the genus Lobelia, include over 400 species of flowering plants in the bellflower family. They are native to nearly all temperate and warmer regions, excluding central and eastern Europe and western Asia.

Most lobelia species are herbs or undershrubs, either annual or perennial. However, the "tree" lobelias are shrubby and can be found at high elevations on the mountains of tropical Africa. Water lobelia (L. dortmanna) grows throughout the north temperate zone, while acrid lobelia (L. urens) is local to damp pastures in England and western Europe. The North American cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) grows near the river of Canada.

Lobelia plants, from the genus Lobelia, are popular ornamentals in gardens due to their attractive flowers. The dwarf blue trailing lobelia (L. erinus) from South Africa is a familiar bedding plant with numerous varieties and is often used for edging. The North American cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and other species are also cultivated as ornamental garden plants. Additionally, various lobelia hybrids make for fine, showy, and fairly hardy garden plants.

Most lobelia have simple leaves borne alternately along the stems and two-lipped tubular flowers. The flowers generally have five lobes, often with two erect upper lobes and a lower fan formed of the remaining three lobes. The cardinal flower displays a brilliant red corolla, in contrast to the blue or white colors of the majority of related species. The showy flowers of lobelia are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.