About Lobelia purpurascens R.Br.
Lobelia purpurascens R.Br. is a small, smooth herb that typically grows less than 12 cm (4.7 in) in height. It has ascending or mostly prostrate stems, which are usually about 30 cm (12 in) long, and white rhizomes. Its leaves are arranged alternately, are mostly sessile, and range in shape from elliptic to oval. They measure 10–25 mm (0.39–0.98 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.20–0.39 in) wide, have toothed margins, and usually have a purplish undersurface. Each leaf is borne on a petiole up to 2 mm (0.079 in) long. Single flowers grow in the leaf axils on pedicels 1–7 cm (0.39–2.76 in) long. The corolla is pale mauve-pink, bluish, or white, and measures 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in) long. The lower petals are oblong-rounded; the smaller upper petals are upright, taper to a point, and curve inward. Flowering occurs from November to May. The fruit is smooth, measuring 3–10 mm (0.12–0.39 in) long and 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in) wide. This species, commonly called white root, grows mostly in shady, moist locations in woodland and grassland habitats, and is found in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria.
