Devil's Tobacco
Lobelia tupa
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Lobelia tupa is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Wooded slopes, in the open and amongst shrubs.
S. America - Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
A juice pressed from the leaves is used in the treatment of toothache. The plant is smoked as an intoxicant.
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Best grown in full sun or in an open position in light shade with some shelter from the wind. Requires a permanently moist fertile loamy soil. 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. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. 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. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The whole plant is poisonous. It contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine. Even smelling this plant has been known to cause sickness.