Wild Tobacco

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Wild Tobacco

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Rapuntium nicotianifolium
• Dortmanna colorata
• Rapuntium coloratum
• Lobelia stimulens
• Lobelia nicotianifolia var. bibarbata
• Lobelia nicotianifolia var. brevipedicellata
• Lobelia nicotianifolia var. trichandra
• Lobelia colorata subsp. guizhouensis
• Lobelia seguinii var. arakana
• Lobelia courtallensis
• Lobelia seguinii var. doniana
• Lobelia colorata var. baculus
• Lobelia beddomeana
• Lobelia colorata var. dsolinhoensis
• Lobelia doniana
• Dortmanna nicotianifolia
• Lobelia mishmica
• Dortmanna mishmica
• Lobelia palustris
• Lobelia leucanthera
• Lobelia trichandra

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Asterales and the family Campanulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Lobelia as Lobelia nicotianifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central areas to the Southeast provinces. Its range also extends into the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Moving into the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Finally, its presence is also noted within the borders of Bangladesh.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lobelia nicotianifolia is characterized by its specific distribution across high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a distinct vertical niche within its habitat. This species is primarily found within a specialized elevational range, thriving at altitudes starting from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 2200 m AMSL. This altitudinal belt suggests an adaptation to the unique climatic conditions, such as fluctuating temperatures and specific moisture levels, typically found in these mid-to-high elevation zones. By occupying this particular range, the plant integrates into the complex ecological dynamics of its mountain ecosystem, where its presence is closely tied to the environmental gradients defined by these elevation limits.

Elevational range max:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lobelia nicotianiifolia is characterized by its classification as a chamaephyte, a growth form where the plant's regenerative buds are located close to the soil surface, often protected by a layer of leaf litter or ground cover. This life strategy allows the species to endure seasonal environmental fluctuations by maintaining its vital structures at a low profile near the substrate. As it navigates its ecological niche, the plant utilizes this low-growing architecture to optimize resource acquisition within its specific habitat, balancing vegetative persistence with reproductive cycles. The developmental trajectory involves a transition from initial establishment to a mature state where its chamaephyte habit provides a competitive advantage in managing exposure to wind and temperature extremes, ensuring long-term survival through its specialized life form.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Lobelia nicotianifolia is characterized by a growth habit that functions as a self-supporting climber, meaning it possesses the structural integrity to ascend or spread without being strictly dependent on external hosts for primary support. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, operating entirely on its own nutritional requirements without relying on other plants. Rather than growing as an epiphyte, this species is strictly terrestrial, establishing its root system and life cycle within the soil. In terms of its structural composition, the plant exhibits woody characteristics, providing a firm and durable framework for its climbing development.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lobelia nicotianifolia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, coumarin.

Flavonoids

1. ACS omega

coumarin

1. ACS omega

Activities

Lobelia nicotianifolia has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic.

Antidiabetic

1. ACS omega