Lobelia
Lobelia
Lobelia (/loʊˈbiːliə/ loh-BEE-lee-ə) is a genus of flowering plants comprising 415 species, with a subcosmopolitan distribution primarily in tropical to warm temperate regions of the world, a few species extending into cooler temperate regions. They are known generally as lobelias.
Etymology
The genus Lobelia is named after the Belgian botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538–1616).
Description
Lobelia species are annuals, perennials (some monocarpic), or shrubs. A few species are aquatic. They have simple, alternate leaves and two-lipped tubular flowers, each with five lobes. The lower three lobes are larger and more showy than the upper two lobes which are typically erect.
Species
Some well-known species include Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), and Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia).
Uses
Lobelias are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the setaceous Hebrew character. Some species are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens. Some species, such as Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), have been used in smoking cessation programs, although they are currently not approved for over-the-counter sales for this purpose in the United States.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lobelia
- Wikipedia's article - Lobelia
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