Barleria cristata - Philippine violet
Family Acanthaceae
Description:
About two hundred fifty species of Barleria are native to the world's tropics. Several have showy flowers and are grown in warm gardens. This plant is native to southern Asia from India to the Philippines. Purple flowers are produced among the dark green leaves throughout the growing season. It grows to about four feet tall.
Location:
See plants in the Founders Plaza south of Building 1.
Size:
A herbaceous plant to about four feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: drought tolerant
Soil: ordinary, well-drained soil, no other special requirements
In north Florida, it is evergreen in mild winters but may die to the ground in a cold winter. It is adaptable to a wide range of conditions and grows easily.