Barleria strigosa Willd.

Willdenow, C.L. von (1800) Species Plantarum Edn. 4 3(1): 379. Type: India.

Barleria

Stems swollen immediately above point of leaf attachment. Stems with appressed, light brown simple hairs. Leafy stems with green stripes extending from top of swelling to next node.

Leaves up to 13 cm x 6 cm. Interpetiolar ridge could be mistaken for a stipular scar.

Flowers in congested axillary spikes, often appearing terminall. Flowers emerging only one or two at a time. Each flower subtended by a single leaf-like bract. Calyx comprising two unequal pairs of segments; the outer pair 18-33 mm long x 7 - 22 mm wide with finely toothed margins, the inner pair narrow with entire margins. Corolla two-lipped, upper comprising four +/- equal lobes, the lower lip undivided. Corolla mauve or bluish-mauve, floral tube white. Carpels partially enclosed by lobed disc. Fertile stamens 4, exserted from floral tube, 2 reduced stamens deep within floral tube. Anthers grey.

Capsule somewhat ovoid, acuminate, 1-2 seeds on conspicuous hooks.

Not available.

An introduced species becoming naturalised in NEQ and CEQ, especially between Cooktown and Cairns.