Chinese lobelia (Lobelia chinensis, Fl. Cochinch.: 514 (1790))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: Lour.

Bibliography: Fl. Cochinch.: 514 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lobelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. Himalaya to Japan

Description

Chinese lobelia, scientifically known as Lobelia chinensis, is an intriguing plant that is a member of the Campanulaceae family. Originating in regions stretching from the Central Himalayas to Japan, this species has garnered attention for both its ecological significance and its uses in traditional medicine.

First documented in 1790 by the botanist João de Loureiro in his seminal work Fl. Cochinch., Lobelia chinensis is a small, perennial herb with a sprawling habit. It typically thrives in moist, grassy environments and wetlands, forming dense mats that can significantly influence the ecosystems it inhabits. The plant’s slender stems bear a profusion of small, oval leaves, creating a lush, green carpet that is visually appealing.

The delicate flowers of Chinese lobelia are a noteworthy aspect, adding to the plant’s aesthetic appeal. These flowers are usually pale blue to white and exhibit the characteristic two-lipped corolla typical of the Lobelia genus, making them a subtle yet beautiful addition to natural landscapes and gardens alike.

Beyond its visual charm, Lobelia chinensis holds a prominent place in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant is often utilized for its purported medicinal properties, reputed to alleviate symptoms of various ailments such as edema, respiratory issues, and inflammation. Although scientific validation of these uses remains limited, the historical reliance on Chinese lobelia underscores its potential therapeutic value.

In summary, Chinese lobelia (Lobelia chinensis) is a plant of both ecological and cultural importance. From its role in natural habitats across its native range to its place in traditional medicine, this species continues to fascinate botanists and herbalists alike. As research progresses, there may be even more to uncover about this versatile and historically revered plant.

Common Names

Eng: chinese lobelia
En: Chinese lobelia
Zh: Ban bian lian, 半边莲, 半邊蓮, 水仙花草, 鐮麼仔草
Ja: Aze-mushiro, Mizo-kakushi
Ko: 수염가래꽃
Fa: لبلیا چینی
Zh-tw: 半邊蓮
Th: พระจันทร์ครึ่งซีก
Zh-hant: 半邊蓮

Synonyms

• Lobelia chinensis var. tetrapetala (Y.N.Lee)
• Pratia radicans (G.Don)
• Rapuntium radicans ((Thunb.) C.Presl)
• Lobelia radicans (Thunb.)
• Dortmanna campanuloides ((Thunb.) Kuntze)
• Lobelia roxburghiana ((A.DC.) Heynh.)
• Rapuntium caespitosum ((Blume) C.Presl)
• Lobelia caespitosa (Blume)
• Rapuntium campanuloides ((Thunb.) C.Presl)
• Isolobus roxburghianus (A.DC.)
• Isolobus radicans ((Thunb.) A.DC.)
• Isolobus campanuloides ((Thunb.) A.DC.)
• Isolobus kerii (A.DC.)
• Isolobus caespitosus ((Blume) Hassk.)
• Lobelia radicans f. lactiflora (Hisauti)
• Lobelia chinensis f. plena ((Makino) H.Hara)
• Lobelia japonica (F.Dietr.)
• Lobelia radicans f. plena (Makino)
• Lobelia kerii ((A.DC.) Heynh.)
• Pratia thunbergii (G.Don)
• Lobelia campanuloides (Thunb.)
• Dortmanna chinensis ((Lour.) Kuntze)
• Lobelia chinensis var. albiflora ((E.Wimm.) E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia chinensis f. lactiflora ((Hisauti) H.Hara)
• Rapuntium chinense ((Lour.) C.Presl)
• Lobelia radicans var. albiflora (E.Wimm.)
• Lobelia chinensis f. tetrapetala ((Y.N.Lee) M.Kim)
• Dortmanna radicans ((Thunb.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 2, 2022 by bikash singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by bikash singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Kaushik Kumar Mech (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by marie leblanc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2020 by Dan Wilson (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 26, 2020 by islam azharul (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5409093)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:143086-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lobelia chinensis Lour.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth