ACANTHACEAE
Barleria galpinii
Wildflowers© Joël Roerig (2021) • Lion Trail
© Joël Roerig (2021) • Lion Trail
Local Context
Current records are from near the parking area of the Lion Trail. It is a fairly localised species that only occurs in South Africa (Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, North West) and Botswana. Identification
- Growth: Erect or sprawling perennial herb or small shrub up to 70 cm tall.
- Flowers: Pale blue, mauve, or white, sometimes with a maroon spotted line in the throat, shaped like a long straight cylindrical tube (up to 4.2 cm) with spreading lobes.
- Leaves: Egg-shaped or elliptic up to 7 cm long, sometimes feeling thick or felt-like.
- Texture: Buds and young leaves are covered in dense white or cream-colored hairs, becoming smooth with age.
- Fruit: Smooth brown capsule up to 1.8 cm long.
Did You Know?
The name galpinii honours Ernest Edward Galpin, a prominent South African banker and avid botanical collector who was highly regarded for his extensive specimen collections.