Campanulaceae
The Campanulaceae family, commonly known as the bellflower family, represents a significant group of flowering plants encompassing over 2,000 species. While primarily known for their aesthetic value in horticulture, these plants possess distinct biological traits that define their role in both ornamental and ecological settings.
What the section contains
Hippobroma
Hippobroma
Hippobroma longiflora
Hippobroma G. Don
1 item
Hofmann's bellflower
Campanula hofmannii
Indian tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Isotoma anethifolia
Isotoma anethifolia
Isotoma petraea
Isotoma petraea
Ivy-leaved bellflower
Wahlenbergia hederacea
Jacquin's bellflower
Campanula jacquinii
Jasione
Jasione
Jasione corymbosa
Jasione corymbosa
Jasione foliosa
Jasione foliosa
Jasione heldreichii
Jasione heldreichii
Jasione maritima
Jasione maritima
Jasione penicillata
Jasione penicillata
Jasione sessiliflora
Jasione sessiliflora
Jaubert's bellflower
Campanula jaubertiana
Jerusalem Bellflower
Campanula hierosolymitana
Kemularia bellflower
Campanula kemulariae
Kotschy's bellflower
Campanula kotschyana
Leafy bellflower
Campanula foliosa
Legousia
Legousia
1 item
Legousia falcata
Legousia falcata
Legousia pentagonia
Legousia pentagonia
Lobelia
Lobelia L.
11 items
Lobelia anceps
Lobelia anceps
Lobelia cliffortiana
Lobelia cliffortiana
Lobelia decurrens
Lobelia decurrens
Lobelia djurensis
Lobelia djurensis
Lobelia erectiuscula
Lobelia erectiuscula
Lobelia hybrids
Lobelia hybrids
Lobelia laxiflora
Lobelia laxiflora
Lobelia melleri
Lobelia melleri
Lobelia nicotianifolia
Lobelia nicotianifolia
Lobelia oligophylla
Lobelia oligophylla
Lobelia physaloides
Lobelia physaloides
Lobelia pratioides
Lobelia pratioides
Lobelia sessilifolia
Lobelia sessilifolia
Lobelia splendens
Lobelia splendens
Lobelia tenuior
Lobelia tenuior
Lobelia terminalis
Lobelia terminalis
Lobelia trinitensis
Lobelia trinitensis
Lobelia tupa
Lobelia tupa
Lobelia zeylanica
Lobelia zeylanica
Long-sepaled bellflower
Campanula longisepala
Long-styled bellflower
Campanula longistyla
Lusitanian bellflower
Campanula lusitanica
Michauxia
Michauxia
2 items
Monopsis
Monopsis Salisb.
2 items
Monopsis
Monopsis
2 items
Moretti's bellflower
Campanula morettiana
Mountain lobelia
Lobelia montana
Musschia
Musschia
3 items
Naked lobelia
Lobelia nuda
Pale bellflower
Campanula pallida
Palespike lobelia
Lobelia spicata
Peracarpa
Peracarpa
1 item
Petromarula
Petromarula
1 item
Physoplexis
Physoplexis
1 item
Pichler bellflower
Campanula pichleri
Piper's Bellflower
Campanula piperi
Campanulaceae
These plants are native to temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere, with high concentrations found in the Mediterranean and mountainous zones of Asia. Their evolutionary history in diverse climates has resulted in a high degree of resilience, allowing them to thrive in various habitats ranging from rocky outcrops to open meadows.
Botanically, Campanulaceae are characterized by their milky sap and leaves that are usually simple and spirally arranged. The most recognizable feature is the floral structure: a five-lobed corolla often fused into a bell or star shape. This morphology is an evolutionary adaptation for specific pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Agricultural and horticultural success depends on providing well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a neutral pH. While species requirements vary, most prefer full sun to partial shade. Proper cultivation necessitates consistent monitoring of soil moisture, as these plants are highly susceptible to root rot if water drainage is inadequate.
Beyond their primary use in landscaping and the nursery trade, some species have historical applications in traditional medicine. Cultivation management often involves managing common pests like slugs and aphids, alongside preventative measures against fungal pathogens like powdery mildew, which thrives in high-humidity environments.