Lobelia pedunculata explained

Lobelia pedunculata, commonly known as matted pratia, trailing pratia or blue star creeper, is a perennial herb from Australia.[1]

It has sky-blue starry flowers, and can spread by underground stolon. In a garden setting some gardeners have found its ability to spread to be a nuisance.[2] [3]

Varieties

One variety, Lobelia pedunculata var. Almanda Blue, was found in Scott Creek Conservation Park in 2013 by John Wamsley. It has a dense weeping habit and small, female-only flowers.[4] Wamsley registered it as intellectual property under Australia's plant breeders' rights and as a US patent.[5] Clones of this plant are sold as garden plants, and royalties go toward preserving biodiversity in the park it was found in.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pratia pedunculata (R.Br.) Benth.. biodiversity.org.au. 24 May 2017.
  2. Web site: Chambers. Jamie. Alpine Garden Society – Dublin Group – Plant Horrors. alpinegardensociety.ie.
  3. Web site: Groundcover Warning: Blue Star Creeper, Pratia pedunculata, Laurentia fluviatils, Isotoma fluviatilis. gardenofaaron.com. 26 August 2013.
  4. Web site: Newsletter of the Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park – No. 160, November–December, 2015. Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park. November–December 2015.
  5. Web site: Lobelia variety name 'Almanda Blue'. freepatentsonline.com. 22 March 2018.
  6. Web site: Almanda Blue. johnwamsley.com. December 2016.