Lobelia tupa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is found exclusively within the southern regions of South America. Its specific geographical range is concentrated in the territory of Chile. Within this country, the species is distributed across the central parts of Chile. Additionally, it can be located further down in southern Chile. Therefore, its habitat is restricted to these specific southern latitudes.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lobelia tupa is characterized by its distribution across a diverse altitudinal gradient, spanning from sea level up to an elevation of 1000 m AMSL. Occupying an elevational range that starts at 0 m AMSL and reaches a maximum of 1000 m AMSL, this species thrives in varied topographical settings within its habitat. This broad vertical distribution suggests an ability to adapt to a range of environmental conditions, including varying temperature regimes and moisture availability found from lowland coastal or riverine areas to mid-elevation montane zones.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Lobelia tupa is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth strategy, it is classified as a chamaephyte, a life form where the permanent buds are located close to the ground surface, often protected by leaf litter or soil during unfavorable environmental conditions. This combination of a long-lived lifecycle and a low-growing growth habit enables the species to maintain stability and resilience within its specific ecological niche.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lobelia tupa is characterized by a growth form that functions as a herb and a shrub, exhibiting a non-woody structure throughout its development. This plant is not a climber, as it is strictly self-supporting in its growth habit. In terms of its ecological positioning, it is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite, and it is classified as terrestrial rather than an epiphyte. While its habitat preferences can vary, its biological classification allows for a range of moisture associations including aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lobelia tupa is primarily driven by the production of seeds, which serve as the fundamental unit for the dispersal and establishment of new individuals. The reproductive output is characterized by extremely fine, lightweight seeds that facilitate efficient distribution within its habitat. Quantitatively, the seed mass of this species is highly consistent, with a mean seed mass of 5e-05 g. This uniformity is reflected in its range, as both the maximum and minimum recorded seed mass values are also 5e-05 g, indicating a very narrow distribution in seed size. Such minute seed dimensions are typical of many members of the Campanulaceae family, allowing for effective wind or water dispersal to colonize new environmental niches.

Seed mass mean:

5e-05 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lobelia tupa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lobeline.

lobeline

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Lobelia tupa has 15 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiasthmatic, Antibronchitic, Antismoking, Bronchoconstrictor, Bronchodilator.

Antiasthmatic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibronchitic

1. Dr. Duke

Antismoking

1. Dr. Duke

Bronchoconstrictor

1. Dr. Duke

Bronchodilator

1. Dr. Duke

CNS-Depressant

1. Dr. Duke

CNS-Stimulant

1. Dr. Duke

Diuretic

1. Dr. Duke

Emetic

1. Dr. Duke

Expectorant

1. Dr. Duke