Lobelia chinensis

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Lobelia chinensis
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
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Species	Template:Taxonomy/Lobelia L. chinensis
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Template:Taxonomy/Lobelia Lobelia chinensis Lour.

Lobelia chinensis, commonly known as Chinese Lobelia, is a species of flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family. It is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. This perennial herb is often found in wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks.

Description

Lobelia chinensis is a low-growing herbaceous plant that typically reaches a height of 10-30 cm. The leaves are linear to lanceolate, measuring 1-3 cm in length and 2-5 mm in width. The plant produces small, tubular flowers that are usually blue or violet, although white forms are also known. The flowers are zygomorphic, meaning they have bilateral symmetry, and they bloom from late summer to early autumn.

Habitat and Distribution

Lobelia chinensis thrives in moist environments and is commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, and along the banks of streams and rivers. It is widely distributed across East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained.

Uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, Lobelia chinensis is known as Bàn Biān Lián (半边莲) and is used for its purported medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and detoxifying effects. The plant is often used in the treatment of conditions such as edema, jaundice, and snake bites. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Cultivation

Lobelia chinensis can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. The plant is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in garden settings, particularly in areas that mimic its natural wetland habitat.

Related Species

Lobelia chinensis is part of the Lobelia genus, which includes several other species such as:

• Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
• Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco)
• Lobelia siphilitica (Great Blue Lobelia)

See Also

• Campanulaceae
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Wetland plants