Porcupine flower (Barleria Prionitis Linn)

The porcupine flower’s leaves, stem, roots, bark and flowers have many uses in Ayurvedic medicine. Extracts of the plant have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat fungal infections, wounds and toothache. In the monsoon season juice from crushed leaves is applied to the feet to prevent cracking and infection. The plant is also used as a remedy for tuberculosis, whooping cough, urinary infections, jaundice, fever and gastrointestinal disorders.��In the late 18th and early 19th centuries the East India Company controlled much of the Indian subcontinent. Keen to exploit and export valuable natural commodities, the Company set out to record the flora of India and commissioned Indian artists to create detailed botanical illustrations. Many of the plants were known through their use in Ayurvedic medicine. One of the world’s oldest medicinal systems, it has been practised in India for 3,000 years.Drawings of Indian plants and trees later named at the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew