Barleria prionitis L.

Classification:
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum  Tracheophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Lamiales
Family Acanthaceae

Synonyms:
Barleria prionitis subsp. madagascariensis Benoist
Barleria prionitis var. pubescens Kuntze

Botanical  description:
An erect, perennial, prickly shrub, usually single-stemmed, growing to about 1.5 meters in height.

Roots: are central tap type, with lateral roots branching in all directions.

Leaves: are up to 100 mm long and 40 mm wide, and ellipsoid. The base of the leaves is protected by three to five sharp spines.

Flowers: yellow-orange tubular with several long protruding stamens.

Seed: capsule is oval-shaped with a sharp pointed beak. It contains two fairly large, flat seeds, covered with matted hairs.

Uses:
It is used to treat fever, respiratory diseases, toothache, joint pains. A mouthwash made from root tissue is used to relieve toothache and treat bleeding gums. The leaves are used to healing of wounds and to relieve joint pains. Extracts of the plant are incorporated into herbal cosmetics and hair products to cure skin and scalp problem