Barleria is known as Kurantaka in Sanskrit, Spatika in Kannada, Vajradanti in Marathi, Philippine violet, Bluebell barleria, Crested Philippine violet, and Porcupine flower. Belongs to Acanthaceae family and native to India and Sri Lanka.
The plant is a prickly shrub and grows to a height of 1.5 meters. The leaves are green ovate, tapering, with visible veins. Every leaf has 3 to 5 sharp spines about 10-20 mm long. Popular species of Barleria are Barleria prionitis and Barleria cristata.
The flowers bloom in golden yellow, white,mauve, purple, double color, and baby pink. Flowers are about 5 cm long and funnel-shaped. The fruits are approximately 1.5 cm long capsules.
Butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
Uses:
In India the flowers are made into garlands and are offered to gods. Women pin up the garland on their hair.
During 21 pushpa pooja Golden Yellow Baleria flower is offered to Lord Ganesha, while chanting the below mantra: “Om Gowri Thanujaaya Namaha, Kurantaka Pushapam Samarpayami”.
Baleria is used for various medicinal purposes in Ayurveda medicine.
Propagation:
Barleria is easily propagated from cuttings planted in fall directly in the ground. It requires some sun to flower profusely and occasional pruning to promote bushy growth.
Hi Shantha thanks for sharing the pictures of Spatika – I have the violet one in my home but I’m searching for pink one. Would it be possible for you to share the seeds? My email id is . Thanks
Hi Padma,I photograph, research, and write about plants as I am extremely interested in them. Please check with a local gardener or nursery for the seeds.
Hi team,
I need spatika flower seeds of different colors can anybody help me out in this regard pls.
Tried in many nursery it’s not ava.
Regards,
Ashwini
Love your posts. Was looking for the English name for gorate ( that’s another name in Kannada for spatika flower 😊) and Google led me here. Probably used in the Dakshina Kannada and malnad belt…
Have enjoyed your posts with various recipes. Keep writing… thank you