Common Name: Spiny barleria. Tamil Name: Cemmulli, Vellai-mulli
Spiny barleira is native to the India subcontinent and is often seen around dry thorny forest areas, it grows to a height of about 1.5 feet. The leaves are simple and arranged in an opposite and decussate manner. The stem of the plant is four angled and has whitish hairs.The leaves are oblong-lanceolate and measure around 5.2 cm in length; the leaf stalk measure around 5 mm; the leaf tip is spine-tipped. At the base of the leaves large spines are arranged in an opposite manner and each measure around 2 cm. The inflorescence is axillary and solitary. The flowers are sessile, tubular, bi-lipped and petals yellow in color. The petals measure around 3.2 cm each. The calyx is four lobed. Two calyx elements are ovate in shape, and tapering and measure around 2.7 cm. The other calyx elements are much smaller. The flower tube measure around 3 cm in length. The flower encloses 2 stamens and a single style. The fruit is in the form of capsule. Spiny barleria is the larval host plant for Yellow pansy and Blue pansy butterflies.
