Crested philippine violet
Barleria cristata

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It grows 2 m tall. The stems and branches are hairy. The leaves are narrowly oval to oblong and 2-10 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. The flowers are in short dense groups in the axils of leaves. They are purplish blue. The fruit is narrowly oval capsule. It is 2 cm long. There are 4 seeds.

It is used as medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on slopes and along streams between 100-2,600 m above sea level in southern China. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Marquesas, Myanmar (country/location of origin), Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

It is used as a fermenting substrate for wine.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bhende kuro, Daun madu, Landep, Leik-tha-ywe-pya, Panpatiya

Synonyms

Several