Lobelia sp. in Black Hill, Morialta and Horsnell Gully Conservation ParksCAMPANULACEAE
Lobelia gibbosa Black Hill CP Lobelia sp.
Named after the Matthias de Lobel, Flemish botanist 1538 to 1616. Matthias de Lobel was physician to William the Silent, Prince of Orange and after moving to England became botanist to James I. These plants have quite a distinctive flower shape and are readily recognised. There are over 300 species around the world, about 20 species native to Australia, with our Parks home to two species. There is another species, Lobelia alata which grows in the Adelaide region, but so far, is not found on the plant lists for the Parks.
Lobelia gibbosa 30 December 2008, Black Hill CP Lobelia gibbosa: the tall lobelia or false orchid. The name means humped or swollen. It grows between 15 and 40cm tall. The flowers although small (only about a centimetre long), are usually bright blue (sometimes purplish-blue or even white), stand out like tiny beacons against the grey-green of the summer bush-land. The flowers are held on slender stemms, are seen in early summer, by which time the leaves have usually shrivelled up and are insignificant. Fire Response
Lobelia gibbosa 30 December 2008, Black Hill CP Lobelia rhombifolia, or tufted lobelia, the name is a reference to the shape of the leaves. It is more branched than the tall lobenia, and does not stand up as straight. While the flowers are about the same size, the leaves are wider than the tall lobelia. Return to Black Hill plant page 1 Return to Horsnell Gully plant page 1 Return to Morialta plant page 1 New page added 13 January 2009
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