Barleria obtusa Nees

Barleria obtusa is a fast-growing shrub known for its rounded, bushy appearance. It features mid-green leaves covered in fine translucent hairs with upturned edges. It produces an impressive profusion of small violet flowers in autumn, at the top of its branches. As the seed capsules mature, they become woody and release their seeds explosively. This shrub can vary in size depending on its growing conditions. Barleria obtusa is traditionally used by Xhosa communities, forming a paste from the leaves to treat burns. This species has not been researched extensively. Therefore, there is no literature on compounds isolated from B. obtusa or their bioactivity. This chapter, therefore, reported on literature that evaluated the Barleria species, from which possible activities of B. obtusa can then be extrapolated. However, studies to confirm the compounds present in this specific species and its bioactivity need to be conducted.