Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Lobelia purpurascens R.Br., Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. 563 (1810)
Synonymy:
  • Pratia purpurascens (R.Br.) E.Wimm. (1953)
 Description

Perennial, ± puberulent herb forming loose mats. Underground stems or rhizomes white; aerial reproductive stems erect, angular, tinged purple. Lvs all of similar size; petioles 1–3 mm long, sometimes minutely puberulent. Lamina 10–12 × 4–8 mm, elliptic or narrow-elliptic, ± puberulent above, especially towards margin, dentate with c. 4 teeth on each side; base cuneate; apex sharply acute. Peduncle 2.5–4 cm long, very slender, with 2 bracts at base; bracts c. 0.5 mm long, narrow-linear. ♀ fls solitary (♂ not seen). Calyx lobes 2–2.8 cm long, narrow-triangular, with a single tooth each side; apex acuminate. Corolla pale pink; tube c. 5 mm long; limb hairy inside towards base; upper 2 lobes c. 5 mm long, narrow-linear, recurved; lower 3 lobes 6–8 mm long, ± narrow-oblong. Staminodes with puberulent filaments and pale brown anthers. Ovary 2.5–3.5 mm long, obconic. Fr. not seen.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4. as Pratia purpurascens (R.Br.) E.Wimm.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Brown, R. 1810: Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van-Diemen. Johnson, London.
Knox, E.B.; Heenan, P.B.; Muasya, A.M.; Murray, B.G. 2008: Phylogenetic position and relationships of Lobelia glaberrima (Lobeliaceae), a new alpine species from southern South Island (New Zealand). New Zealand Journal of Botany 46: 77–58.