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porcupine flower

Scientific Name: Barleria prionitis

Family: Acanthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Barleria prionitis: The Porcupine Flower

Barleria prionitis, commonly known as the porcupine flower, is a striking plant with a variety of uses and considerations. This page provides an overview of its key characteristics and relevant information for plant enthusiasts.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as a "prickly shrub."

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as a "prickly shrub."

Common Names and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Barleria prionitis L.
  • Common Names: Porcupine flower, Barleria, Espinosa amarilla, Picanier jaune.
  • Vernacular Names: Various names are recorded in different languages including Sanskrit (Kuranta), Marathi (Vjradanti), Tamil, Tagalog (Kukong manok), and Halbi (Kanta manjhi). Other Indian names include Kundan.

Taxonomy and Classification

  • Family: Acanthaceae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: The text indicates no synonyms are listed, but it does include the alternative spelling "Barlaeria prionitis Linn."

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to south-eastern Asia, including Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka.
  • Grows in well-drained sandy soils and requires full sun.

Ecological Role

  • Listed on the Alert List for Environmental Weeds, indicating that it is a non-native plant that threatens biodiversity and causes other environmental problems.
  • Described as a "spiny invader."

Morphological Characteristics

  • Erect, prickly shrub, usually single-stemmed.
  • Typically grows to about 1.5 meters (approximately 5 feet) tall, but may reach 5-10 feet.
  • Stems and branches are stiff and smooth.
  • Leaves are pale green and oval-shaped, tapering at both ends.
  • Flowers are golden yellow or orange, solitary or in cymose clusters in the lower axils, subsessile. Some forms have purple flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • It is sometimes used to make metal flower frogs.