Matted pratia (Lobelia pedunculata, Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 563 (1810))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 563 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lobelia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. & SE. Australia

Description

Matted pratia, scientifically known as Lobelia pedunculata, is an intriguing member of the Campanulaceae family. First described in 1810 by the notable botanist Robert Brown in his “Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae,” this plant has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for over two centuries.

Endemic to Eastern and Southeastern Australia, matted pratia thrives in these regions’ diverse ecosystems, adapting with remarkable versatility. It is particularly noted for its ground-hugging growth habit, forming dense, mat-like carpets that make it a popular choice for garden landscapes and natural ground cover.

The plant exhibits a charming array of small, yet striking, blue to violet flowers. These blooms emerge on slender peduncles, adding a splash of color to the greenery during its flowering period. Its foliage consists of petite, often spoon-shaped leaves, contributing to its compact and tidy appearance.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, matted pratia plays a role in ecological dynamics by providing habitat and food for local insects and pollinators. Its ability to establish quickly and spread over an area makes it an effective tool for erosion control and soil stabilization in its native range.

As a member of the larger and diverse Campanulaceae family, matted pratia shares many characteristics with its relatives, such as the renowned lobelias. However, its unique adaptations to the Australian environment distinguish it within this botanical family.

In summary, Lobelia pedunculata, or matted pratia, is not merely a plant of historical botanical interest but also a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to gardens and natural landscapes, particularly admired for its resilience and ability to create lush, floral carpets in a variety of settings.

Common Names

Eng: matted pratia
Swe: blåpratia
Nld: gazonlobelia
En: Matted pratia
Nl: Gazonlobelia
Sv: Blåpratia

Synonyms

• Rapuntium pedunculatum ((R.Br.) C.Presl)
• Pratia pedunculata ((R.Br.) Benth.)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (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.

Leaf

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Flower

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by Antonio Jesús Reina Pacheco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by bosteels inge (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5408682)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:143669-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lobelia pedunculata R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth