| Lobelia | |
|---|---|
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| Lobelia erinus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Subfamily: | Lobelioideae |
| Genus: | Lobelia L.[1] |
| Type species | |
| Lobelia cardinalis | |
| Species | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
List
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Lobelia (/loʊˈbiːliə,lə-/[4][5][6]) is agenus offlowering plants in the familyCampanulaceae comprising 415 species,[7] with asubcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions.[8] They are known generally aslobelias.[9]
The genusLobelia comprises a substantial number of large and small annual, perennial and shrubby species, hardy and tender, from a variety of habitats, in a range of colours. Many species appear totally dissimilar from each other. However, all have simple, alternate leaves and two-lipped tubular flowers, each with five lobes. The upper two lobes may be erect while the lower three lobes may be fanned out. Flowering is often abundant and the flower colour intense, hence their popularity as ornamental garden subjects.[10]
The genusLobelia was first formally described in 1753 byCarl Linnaeus inSpecies plantarum and was named after theFlemish botanistMatthias de Lobel (1538–1616).[11][12][13]
Lobelia is probably the base form from which many otherlobelioid genera are derived; it is therefore highlyparaphyletic and not a goodgenus in acladistic sense. For example, the Hawaiian species (seeHawaiian lobelioids), currently classified in several genera, originated from a single introduction to a now-submergedHawaiian island 15 million years ago, probably from an AsianLobelia inLobelia subg.Tupa.[14]
ANew Zealand study concluded that local species of Hypsela,Isotoma andPratia should be treated as Lobelia.[15]
Lobelia species are used as food plants by thelarvae of someLepidoptera species including theSetaceous Hebrew Character.
Several species are cultivated asornamental plants in gardens. These includeLobelia cardinalissyn.Lobelia fulgens (cardinal flower or Indian pink),Lobelia siphilitica (blue lobelia), andLobelia erinus, which is used for edging and window boxes.[10]
Numeroushybrids have been produced, notablyLobelia ×speciosa, a hybrid derived fromL. fulgens,L. cardinalis andL. siphilitica. The term "fan hybrids" is also used.[16] This plant is borderlinehardy and requires fertile, moist soil. It is suitable for summerbedding schemes or growing in containers. The cultivars 'Kompliment Scharlach'[17] and 'Pink Elephant'[18] have gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[19]
The species used most commonly in modern herbalism isLobelia inflata (Indian tobacco).[20] Use of lobelia forcardiovascular diseases may causeadverse effects.[21]
Lobelia has been used as "asthmador" in Appalachiantraditional medicine.[22] Two species,L. siphilitica andL. cardinalis, were once considered a cure forsyphilis.[23] HerbalistSamuel Thomson popularized medicinal use of lobelia in the United States in the early 19th century.[20]
Many members of the genus are considered poisonous, with some containing the toxic principlelobeline.[24] Because of lobeline's similarity tonicotine, the internal use of lobelia may be dangerous to susceptible populations, including children, pregnant women,[25] and individuals with cardiac disease. Excessive use will cause nausea and vomiting.[26] It is not recommended for use by pregnant women and is best administered by a practitioner qualified in its use. It also has a chemical known aslobellicyonycin,[citation needed] which may cause dizziness.
Extracts ofLobelia inflata containlobeline[28] and those fromLobelia chinensis containapigenin,lobeline,lobelanine, isolobelanine,lobelanidine,quercetin,coumarins,glucosides and otherflavonoids.[29]
About eleven species native to Mexico and Central America have spurs on the flowers. These spurred lobelias appear to form a monophyletic group. Most have been classified in the generaHeterotoma (or sometimesCalcaratolobelia). However, since their closest relatives such asLobelia anatina are inLobelia, Koopman and Ayers classify them inLobelia.[30]
Data related toLobelia at Wikispecies| National | |
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| Other | |
