Lobelia nummularia

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

A small creeping herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It lies along the ground and is 12-55 cm tall. The leaves have short stalks. They are oval or heart shaped. They are 1-3 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They have teeth along the edge. The flowers are purple striped. They are in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a berry. It is oval and black.

There are about 400 Lobelia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It occurs in Nepal between 800-2500 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. The leaves and stems are used as a tonic soup.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, stems

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Beu kaa pwee daw, Boxi ko makai, Di si liu, Dong ke, Long nan ma

Synonyms

Lobelia begonifolia Wall.; Pratia begonifolia (Wall.) Lindley; Pratia nummularia (Lam.) A.Br. & Aescherson; and others