Lobelia tupa
Lobelia tupa | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Campanulaceae |
Genus: | Lobelia |
Species: | L. tupa
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Binomial name | |
Lobelia tupa |
Lobelia tupa is a species of Lobelia native to central Chile from Valparaíso south to Los Lagos regions.[1]
It is an evergreen perennial plant growing to 4 m tall. The foliage grey-green, with elliptical leaves 10–15 cm long. The flowers are red, tubular and 2-lipped and are produced in a sympodium pattern. It thrives in dry soils.[1]
Its latex is used as an abortifacient, and the large, felty leaves smoked as a narcotic with possible hallucinogenic effects - whence one of its common names, Tabaco del Diablo (Devil's tobacco). Ironically, this plant has been used to treat nicotine addiction because it contains the nicotine-related alkaloid Lobeline (a nicotinic agonist). The Mapuche of Southern Chile consider it a sacred plant. Tupa leaves have also been found to contain chemicals that act as a respiratory stimulant.[2]
References
- ^ a b Flora Chilena: Lobelia tupa
- ^ Plants for a Future: Lobelia tupa