Common name: Deccan spike thorn
Deccan spike thorn is a shrub that grows to around 2 meters in height with straggling tendencies, branches arch down from above. The plant has some thorny, but thorns are not regularly seen in all parts, some thorns look like abrupt branch extensions. The simple leafs are arranged in an alternate manner, they are glossy green in color with a leathery texture. The are oval-orbicular in shape the leaf margin is gently crenate. The leaf stalk is has a reddish color and measure around 1.4 cm long; leaf length 7.5 cm and leaf across measure around 4.5 cm. The inflorescence is in the form of a axillary short cyme held close to the branches. The flower has five numbers each of calyx elements, corolla and stamens. The flower is star shaped and white in color and the flower measure around 1.7 cm across. The fruit is in the form of a 3 capsule co-joined structure. The seed seen with colorful aril and reddish brown in color. Deccan spike thorn is rarely encountered in mid-shola forest areas, it is also present in Eastern ghats. Gymnospora genus consists of more than 100 species; 17 species are seen in India, and many are endemic to the wester ghat area. They are generally spiny shrubs or small trees with glossy leathery leafs which are arranged in an alternate manner. The inflorescence is in the form of a axillary cyme. The stamens alternate with the petals in the flower. The fruit is in the form of dehiscent capsule with colorful glossy aril.
