LOBELIA CORONOPIFOLIA

INTRODUCTION

There’s a lobelia in your garden—or perhaps along your road verge. Simply step outside and have a look.

Lobelias grow in a remarkable variety of habitats, from rocky slopes and sand dunes to sandy flats, shady damp places, coastal mountain slopes, and even forest floors.

They also appear in a wide range of colours—from white and pink to cerise and many shades of blue. Crown-leaf Lobelia is surely one of the most striking.

They look a little like ballerinas, don’t you think?

There are around 360 species of Lobelia worldwide, along with many hybrids. Gardeners favour them as edging plants in flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets.

South Africa has 69 species, and in the Rooiels corridor we have already identified quite a few—though there are certainly more waiting to be discovered.

HABITAT

Lobelias thrive in diverse habitats, including rocky slopes, sand dunes, sandy flats, shady damp areas, coastal mountain slopes, and forest floors.

In Rooiels, we often encounter them while hiking.

POLLINATION

Lobelia flowers promote cross-pollination by allowing the male reproductive organs to mature first.

They are pollinated by a variety of insects—for no self-respecting insect can pass a beautiful lobelia.

USES

Lobelias are easy to cultivate and have a long flowering period, making them popular garden plants.

Some South African lobelia species are also used in traditional medicine.