BARLERIA CRISTATA. 



NATURAL ORDER, ACANTHACE^. 



N some parts of India this plant and many of the same species 

 are found growing wild and most luxuriantly in the jungles. 



It is, however, so ornamental that it deserves a place in 

 every garden ; the bush is of a compact and pleasing growth, and when 

 in blossom forms an agreeable spectacle, but unfortunately it soon loses 

 its pretty appearance, as the delicate flowers droop and wither very quickly, 

 and a shower of rain spoils them at once. 



During the cold weather it grows in great luxuriance in the jungles 

 about Chota Nagpore, and Roxburgh says "it grows wild in the forests 

 of Silhet." 



The long throat-like corolla of the flower is of a paler colour than the 

 lips. 



There are some varieties of the Barlerias which bear their flowers on 

 wheat-like heads, each flower growing out of a division of the so-called 

 wheat. One of these I have seen growing to a great extent, the stems 

 being erect and the flowers a deep crimson. Another has a pale orange 

 flower ; this is a smaller plant, and is often kept as a pot plant to decorate 

 verandahs. 



The juice from the leaves of this variety " is given to children in 

 fevers. The ashes of the burnt plant are also used medicinally." — Ainslie. 



The easiest mode of propagation is by division of roots ; the seed so 

 soon drops or is blown away that it is difficult to gather it. 



I never tried cuttings, but I daresay that would answer very well. 



