Giant lobelias rise in a tall spike above the moorland on Kilimanjaro and Meru. They collect water in their leaves and are pollinated by sunbirds.
Alpine plants
Found only in Tanzania
Giant Lobelia
Lobelia deckenii
A tall, spiky flowering plant of the high mountain moorland.
Size
Up to 3 m
Lifespan
Many years
Diet
Not applicable.
Habitat
High-altitude moorland.
About the giant lobelia
Did you know?
01
The leaves fold at night to protect the growing tip from frost.
02
Sunbirds pollinate the flowers.
03
It stores water in its trunk.
When to see it
Gold months are usually the easiest time to find it.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the giant lobelia
More wildlife to discover
Endemic
NE
Alpine plants
Giant Groundsel
Dendrosenecio kilimanjari
A strange, cabbage-headed tree found only on the high slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru
Trees
African Baobab
Adansonia digitata
The upside-down tree, and the skyline of Tarangire.
Tarangire, Lake Eyasi +2 more
Trees
Umbrella Thorn Acacia
Vachellia tortilis
The flat-topped tree that defines the African savannah.
Serengeti, Tarangire +3 more
Primates
Blue Monkey
Cercopithecus mitis
A dark, forest-dwelling monkey that eats fruit high in the canopy.
Arusha, Lake Manyara +4 more
Start Planning
Your wildlife wish list, our job
Tell us what you most want to see and we will plan the season, the place and the guide to match.
Prefer to talk? Call +255 754 123 456