CSIR-NEERI Biodiversity Portal

Porcupine Flower / Vajradanti

Barleria prionitis Linn.

Botanical name	: Barleria prionitis Linn.
Common Name	: Porcupine Flower/ Vajradanti
Family	: Acanthaceae
Synonym	: Barleria hystrix L.
About	: Porcupine flower is an erect, prickly shrub, commonly have a single stem but may have multiple stems or branches near the ground. The stems and branches are stiff, round, and light tan or light gray, growing to about 1.5 m tall and 2.5 cm in basal diameter. The Leaves are elliptic to oblong, narrow at both ends (ellipsoid) 3 to 10 cm long and 1.5 to 4 cm broad. The base of the leaves is protected by three to five sharp, pale coloured spines, 10-20 mm long.The yellow-orange tubular flowers are found bunched tightly together at the top of the plant, but they also occur singly at the base of leaves. The flowers are 3-4cm long, with several long protruding stamens. The two-celled capsule is ovate lanceolate and 1.3 to 2 cm long, with a sharp-pointed beak about 6 mm long. It contains two fairly large, flat seeds, typically 8 mm long by 5 mm wide, covered with matted hairs. Roots are central tap type, with lateral roots branching in all directions. It has numerous medicinal properties including treating fever, respiratory diseases, toothache, joint pains and a variety of other ailments; and it has several cosmetic uses. A mouthwash made from root tissue is used to relieve toothache and treat bleeding gums. Native to India & Sri Lanka.