ACANTHACEAE

Barleria elegans subsp. orientalis

White Bushveld Barleria

Wildflowers

Local Context

Like many Barlerias, these flower quite late in the season, with April being peak season. Look for them near the river and streams.

Identification

Growth: Spiny perennial herb or subshrub, often straggling, up to 3 m tall.
Flowers: White, but also sometimes lilac, blue or mauve, shaped like a cylindrical tube widening towards the mouth, emerging from spiny green bracts.
Leaves: Egg-shaped to elliptic up to 13 cm long.
Texture: Rough with stiff hairs on the veins and leaf margins.
Fruit: Small capsule up to 1.7 cm long.

Did You Know?

Thanks to its fast growth rate and hardy root system, it is frequently used in landscaping to stabilise soil on steep embankments and banks.