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Tropicalesque Gardens

'Giant Lobelia' Lobelia gibberoa

19 years ago

Has anybody grown this native of Kenya. Looks pretty spectacular-the little info available on the web . I have some small plants and am trying to write a description.

Annie

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Comments (6)

frankstives
19 years ago
Im in SW UK coastal site Z10 have been growing Lobelia gibberoa for 4 years (Seeds were from Neslebrae Exotics in NZ)
The plants till recently were about 10 feet tall, had lost all lower leaves and gone very leggy, at this stage they were accidently burnt to the ground, but are now regenerating and hopefully will be better shaped plants. Some leaf burn had resulted from offshore salt laden winds, generally tho the plants were easy to grow, are attractive and look a little like Munchia woolastoni I believe their ultimate height is about 19 feet
If you put Giant lobelias into your Google search engine you will bring up plenty of websites mainly for hiking and climbing holidays but also with lots of data on the giant plants rencountered on the mountain slopes
On the slopes of African mountains such as Kilmanjaro, Kenya and the mountains of the Moon in Ethiopia many different types of Giant Lobelias and Sennicoes have developed, however trying to locate a source of seeds has been impossible - does anyone know a source ? would appreciate help, Ive been looking for years, Thanks
Frank in St Ives in SW UK
bommie
19 years ago
You could check out Professor Eloy Rodriguez- he had a student researching the medicinal properties of wollastonii: http://www.plantbio.cornell.edu/people.php?netID=er30

this guy researches them as well;
http://newarkbiosci.rutgers.edu/Faculty/knox.html

and maybe Silverhillseeds can put you in contact with a source: http://www.silverhillseeds.co.za/

plmk if you find some, good luck!
bommie
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rebeccanne
19 years ago
There is another large lobelia. Its called lobelia tupa and is from Chile so it is hardy to zone 9. Its a very large tropical plant with bright red flowers in the fall. Easy from seeds, I grow it here in Oregon and love it.
Rebecca
Annie_Hayes
Original Author
19 years ago
Thank you Rebecca, I already do grow both Lobelia tupa and Lobelia excelsa and love them both. And I am happy to report that I have been offered a trip to Africa to research the many species of Giant Lobelias and hopefully bring back some seed.
angelfairy
19 years ago
And a source for these? TIA
goted
18 years ago
Hi,

I'm bringing this up from 2004 since I just got some seed.
Anybody have some recent experience growing this?
Ever started from seed?

Thanks for any info!!!!

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Can you help me identify this?

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