Brillantaisia cicatricosa
Author: Ivan Lätti
Photographer: Thabo Maphisa
The leaves of Brillantaisia cicatricosa are large, ovate, soft and hairy with a coarseness enhanced by the net-veining. They are deep green and whitish with fine hairs on the lower surface. The blue flowers appear on erect spikes in the warmer months, from spring through autumn.
The plant branches much and grows vigorously. It can easily be propagated in warmer climates, but with at least moderate watering. Stems are soft and green. The habitat of this plant in nature is tropical and subtropical, growing in various soil types in full sun or semi-shade among trees in woodland (www.plants.newplant.co.za).