blooms in the damp open forest margins

Size
Height: 10–30 cm
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from moist, fertile soils.
Habitat
Damp grassland, forest margins, stream banks and coastal areas. Prefers moist, fertile soils with partial shade. Often forms small colonies in open, damp sites.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in damp, open areas and forest margins. Also found in Australia and South Pacific.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Competition from introduced weeds. Climate change affecting wetland habitats.
Population
Populations considered stable and widespread. Species common in damp areas throughout New Zealand. Threatened by competition from introduced weeds.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native herb, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic herb; widespread in damp forests and shaded habitats throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition pūwharawhara used medicinally. Leaves made into poultice for wounds and skin infections. Decoction of leaves taken for colds and fevers. Plant used with caution due to alkaloid content. Blue flowers admired. Name pūwharawhara refers to soft, downy texture of leaves. Plant of damp forest. Gathered by those who knew its properties.
Bee lands on flower. Lobelia anceps is small, creeping herb. Blue or purple flowers. Plant that is beautiful and dangerous. Leaves are edible but contain alkaloids. Should be eaten in small quantities. Plant used medicinally by Māori. Flowers appear in summer. Attract native bees. Grows in damp, open areas throughout New Zealand. Native relative of introduced lobelia species. Plant that heals and harms. Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. Arranged alternately along stem. Bright green and slightly fleshy. Stems creeping at base. Then rising upright at tips. Forming loose mats. Plant that spreads without hurry. Flowers are plant's most striking feature. Blue or purple. Sometimes white. Distinctive two-lipped shape. Lower lip three-lobed. Upper lip two-lobed. Appear in summer. Pollinated by native bees and other insects. Flower that looks like mouth. Leaves contain alkaloids that can be toxic in large quantities. Māori used plant medicinally with caution. Preparing decoctions and poultices for specific ailments. Plant was not used as food source. Medicine that must be respected. To find native lobelia is to walk damp margins of forests and streams. Look for creeping stems. Narrow leaves. Blue or purple flowers. Plant of damp places. Splash of colour in green. But treat with respect. Alkaloids are reminder that not everything that grows is safe to eat. Stream bank is damp. Lobelia creeps. Blue flowers open to sun. Bee lands. Flower does not sting. Alkaloids wait in leaves. Plant does not warn. Does not need to. It just grows. It carries on regardless.