Lobelia radicans -

Family:	Campanulaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.15
Synonyms:	L. chinensis. Lour.
Range:	E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India.

Lobelia radicans () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.15m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Lobelia radicans will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Lobelia radicans prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Lobelia radicans can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Wet places, especially around paddy fields and in lowland all over Japan.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. See its habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. The whole plant is antiphlogistic, depurative, diuretic and febrifuge[147, 176]. A decoction is used in the treatment of sores and abscesses, poisonous snakebites, tooth abscesses, ascites and traumatic injuries[147]. The fresh plant can also be crushed and used as a poultice[147]. The root is antirheumatic, antisyphilitic, cathartic, depurative and diuretic[218].

• Antiphlogistic - Reduces inflammation.
• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Cathartic - A strong laxative but less violent than a purgative.
• Depurative - Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• VD - Used in the treatment of venereal disease

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring[200]. Basal cuttings in spring[1]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Layering in moist sand, it forms roots at the nodes[200].

Known Hazards

The plant contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[274].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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