Pteronia hirsuta leaves

The opposite, simple leaves of Pteronia hirsuta are sessile and decussate on the stems. The leaves ascend on upper stem parts. 

The leaf-shape is oblong with tips tapering to acute points. The leaf margins are entire, sparsely fringed with stiff hairs. The specific name, hirsuta, is a Latin word meaning bristly or shaggy, probably referring to leaf margin or upper stem hairs.

The green, dark green or grey green blades are channelled on top and, apart from the margins, smooth. Leaf dimensions are about 5 mm long and 3 mm wide.

The bud in picture has dark purple upper bracts. The old heads topped with brushes comprising developing fruits have lost this floral colouring.

The involucral bracts are round-tipped and appear faintly fringed (Curtis-Scott, et al, 2020; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist).