Definition

Noun: 1. A specific aquatic plant: "Water lobelia" is the common name for Lobelia dortmanna, an erect, perennial herb that grows fully submerged in freshwater habitats. It is characterized by its spongy, grass-like leaves that are entirely underwater and its flowering stalk that rises above the water's surface to display a raceme of pale blue to lilac flowers.

Usage Notes

• "Water lobelia" is a countable noun referring to a specific species of plant. It is typically used in botanical, ecological, or gardening contexts.
• It is often found in clear, nutrient-poor lakes and ponds.
• The term is a compound noun formed from "water" + "lobelia." The primary definition and usage pertain to this specific plant species.

Examples

• The presence of water lobelia is an indicator of good water quality in the lake.
• Botanists are studying the decline of water lobelia populations in the region.
• We saw the delicate blue flowers of water lobelia rising above the still pond surface.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of conservation: The term is frequently used in scientific and environmental writing discussing rare or protected aquatic flora.
  • Conservation efforts are crucial for habitats supporting water lobelia.

Variants and Related Words

• Lobelia dortmanna (n): The formal botanical (Latin) name for water lobelia.
• Lobelia (n): The genus name, which includes many other species of lobelia, most of which are terrestrial and not aquatic.

Synonyms

• Lobelia dortmanna (n): The scientific synonym.
• (There are no common, widely-used English synonyms for this specific plant species.)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (This specific botanical term is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. erect perennial aquatic herb of Europe and North America having submerged spongy leaves and pendulous racemes of blue flowers above the water