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Description
Lobelia Tenera, also known as Indian Tobacco, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant. It belongs to the family Campanulaceae, which has over 400 species of flowering plants. Lobelia Tenera is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. In recent times, it is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Lobelia |
Appearance
Lobelia Tenera can grow up to 1-2 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. It has small, bright blue flowers that bloom in dense spikes. The flowers have a tubular shape and are about 1 inch long. The leaves are green and oval-shaped, with a slightly serrated edge. The plant has a compact, bushy growth habit and enjoys full sunlight.
Care Guide
Lobelia Tenera requires the following care:- Water: The plant needs regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.- Fertilization: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season once every two weeks.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Lobelia Tenera loves full sunlight, but it can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lobelia Tenera is susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. It is also prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these problems, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage during watering. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests and fungicides to treat fungal diseases.
Habitat
Lobelia Tenera is native to Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands. It thrives in warm, humid environments and grows well in tropical and subtropical regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lobelia Tenera a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Lobelia Tenera has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
Q: Can Lobelia Tenera grow in full shade?
A: No, Lobelia Tenera prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Lobelia Tenera?
A: The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Q: How often should I fertilize Lobelia Tenera?
A: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Lobelia Tenera:- Lobelia Cardinalis- Lobelia Erinus- Lobelia Siphilitica- Lobelia Inflata
References
– “Lobelia Tenera” by Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.- “Lobelia Tenera” by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved from https://www.kew.org.- “Lobelia Tenera” by PlantZAfrica. Retrieved from http://pza.sanbi.org.
