Devil's Tobacco

Lobelia tupa

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

S. America - Chile.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Narcotic Odontalgic A juice pressed from the leaves is used in the treatment of toothache[192, 238]. The plant is smoked as an intoxicant[192, 200, 238].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is poisonous[200]. It contains the alkaloid lobeline which has a similar effect upon the nervous system as nicotine[274]. Even smelling this plant has been known to cause sickness[274].