Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 192 (1753).

Synonymy: L. chinense sensu J. Black, Fl .S. Aust. 754 (1957), non Miller.

Common name: None

Description:
Shrub to 2.5 m high with arching branches; ultimate lateral branchlets leafless, ending in a slender spine, 2-10 mm long, or such spines absent; initial single leaves persistent, ovate to elliptic, 30-50 (rarely only 20 or up to 55) x 5-15 mm; subsequent leaves in clusters of 1-8, scarcely or not fleshy, narrowly ovate to elliptic, 8-15 x 2-5 mm (rarely up to 25 x 8 mm), bright-green.

Pedicel 6-10 (rarely to 15) mm; corolla 10-12 mm long, pale-lilac, with a deep lilac blotch on each lobe; lobes 3.5-5 x 3-4 mm; stamens exserted; fruiting calyx split deeply once or twice.

Berry ellipsoid, sometimes apiculate, red, 5-9 x 3-4 mm; seeds c.2 x 1 mm, yellowish.

	Flowering branch.
Image source: fig. 566B in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).

Distribution:  S.Aust.: MU, SL, SE.   Qld; N.S.W.; Vic.; Tas.   Native to central China. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: summer.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Taxonomic notes: Non-fruiting material is distinguished from L. ferocissimum by the lack in L. barbarum of stout leafy spines and by the persistence of the usually ovate initial single leaves (eventually subtending the leaf clusters).

Author: Not yet available