SafePlants

Barleria lupulina: Hophead Philippine Violet

Barleria lupulina, commonly known as Hophead Philippine Violet, is a shrub appreciated for its unique appearance and historical uses. Other common names include Porcupine Flower, Hophead Barleria, Hop-headed Barleria, Philippine Violet, and, in Bengali, Vishellakarani.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as a thorny shrub.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is described as a thorny shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Barleria lupulina Lindl.
• Family: Acanthaceae (Ruellia family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: The provided text does not explicitly list synonyms but references an invalid synonym: Barleria lupulina Lodd. ex Nees.

Distribution and Habitat

• Barleria lupulina is found in India (specifically the southern and western mountainous regions), Malaysia, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia. It has also been observed in the Virgin Islands National Park.
• It can be found growing as a naturalized erect spiny herb/shrub on degraded hillsides.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Barleria lupulina is a shrubby perennial plant.
• It has single dark green leaves and red-brown branches.
• The plant features flowers that bloom in clusters.
• Some descriptions mention unusually colored, metallic dark leaves and almost-black stems.

Ecological Role

• A risk assessment identified Barleria lupulina as a high-risk species.

Traditional and Therapeutic Uses

• Barleria lupulina is a popular medicinal plant in India.
• Crushed leaves are reportedly used for removing pain, reducing swelling, and alleviating pain from insect bites.
• It is sometimes used in conjunction with other herbs like Clinacanthus nutans for herpes treatment.