Lobelia simplicicaulis

Lobelia

Erect annual herb, with single stems or branched near base, stems frequently red-tinged towards base.

FamilyCampanulaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size15-90 cm high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesElliptic, coarsely toothed, sometimes red-tinged lower leaves 6-60 mm x 2-15 mm, becoming smaller and entire up the stem.
Flower colourDark blue
Flowering timeOctober to March
FlowersTerminal or axillary spikes of 4-12 tubular flowers. Flower has 2 lips split almost to base, upper divided into 2 short recurved lobes, lower lip 3-lobed, spreading, central lobe ending in a point. Seed strongly 3-angled.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils of tall wet forests. Often ephemeral after fire or other disturbance.
Garden useNeeds to be reproduced by seed. Beautiful plant which may be hard to keep growing in a garden.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. Often not present in known locations until after a disturbance event.
Related speciesSimilar to Lobelia gibbosa which has narrower, entire leaves and smaller flowers. Distinguishing features are very small and include the seed shape which is not very angular and is covered in a network of veins under magnification.