Porcupine Flower
Barleria prionitis
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, China, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Malaya, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Thailand, Vietnam, Yemen
J.M.Garg
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Acanthaceae
- Genus:
- Barleria
- Species:
- Barleria prionitis
- USDA Symbol:
- BAPR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, orange
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Common in dry, rocky areas; drought-tolerant
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at warm temperatures without pretreatment. Fresh seeds show better germination rates than stored seeds.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI