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Lobelia tupa - L.

Devil's Tobacco

Author	L.	Botanical references	200
Family	Campanulaceae	Genus	Lobelia
Synonyms
Known Hazards	The whole plant is poisonous[200]. It contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[274]. Even smelling this plant has been known to cause sickness[274].
Range	S. America - Chile.
Habitat	Wooded slopes, in the open and amongst shrubs[192].
Edibility Rating	0 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	1 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

Perennial growing to 2m by 1m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Narcotic; Odontalgic.

A juice pressed from the leaves is used in the treatment of toothache[192, 238]. The plant is smoked as an intoxicant[192, 200, 238].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

Best grown in full sun or in an open position in light shade with some shelter from the wind[200]. Requires a permanently moist fertile loamy soil[200]. This species is hardy to about -10°c, but in areas with mild maritime winters plants can be induced into early growth and this growth is more susceptible to frost damage[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse[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 the spring[200]. Plants can also be divided and potted up in the autumn and kept in a cold frame over the winter to protect against losses in severe winters[200].

Links

References

[192] Emboden. W. Narcotic Plants Studio Vista 1979 ISBN 0-289-70864-8
A lot of details about the history, chemistry and use of narcotic plants, including hallucinogens, stimulants, inebriants and hypnotics.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.

[274] Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999 ISBN 1-889878-01-4
An excellent flora, which is also available on-line.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Lobelia tupa

chris reisner Sun Apr 27 2008

I would like a picture of the lobelia tupa please

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