Acanthaceae
Barleria acanthoides
Spiny White Bush-Violet
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Barleria acanthoides is a pungent, much-branched subshrub, typically growing up to 60 cm tall. Its stems are densely greyish-velvet-hairy and armed with simple thorns up to 5-6 mm long in the leaf axils. The large, white, star-shaped flowers, 6-7.5 cm long with a cylindrical tube, typically open at night.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and well-drained, dry soil conditions, as it is native to desert, dry shrubland biomes, and rocky hillsides in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is suitable for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or as a low, spiny barrier plant in a Kilifi coast garden.
Growing notes
Adapted to dry conditions, this plant will require low to moderate watering once established. Propagation can be achieved from seeds or cuttings. Flowering typically occurs between September and February.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: flowersofindia.net, jstor.org, kew.org, bsi.gov.in, dpbck.ac.in, selinawamucii.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.