Wild lobelia
Lobelia flaccida

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows 5-60 cm tall. It grows each year from seed or can last a few years. The stem is angular with narrow wings. The leaves are 2-7 cm long and about 1 cm wide. There can be teeth along the edge. The flowers are in loose groups and are white, mauve or blue. The fruit is a capsule 1.5 mm long.

They have also been put in the family Lobeliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The plant is eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Isidala esiluhlaza

Synonyms

Rapuntium flaccidum C. Presl;