Justicia incana leaves

The leaves of Justicia incana, in Afrikaans sometimes called blouganna (as well as several other names), are opposite and erect. Leaf colour is blue-grey or blue-green (glaucous). Leaf shape is elliptic with pointed or rounded tips and entire margins. The leaf surfaces are hairy with prominent white midribs and some visible lateral veining. The leaves become 2,5 cm long.

This is a palatable shrub that is much browsed by sheep and game. Yet another common name for the plant is apt: skaapbloubossie, meaning little blue bush of sheep (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; www.redlist.sanbi.org).