Justicia insularis ?

Justicia, perhaps J. insularis, Acanthaceae, photo © Michael Plagens

Observed growing among roadside weeds below Iten on the Elgeyo Escarpment, Kenya, Africa. July 2014.

LEAVES: Lance-shaped leaves are opposite on the stems. Veins prominent on underside. Margins are smooth.

HERBACEOUS: Herbaceous growth from a base that might be woody and reaching mostly 1 meter tall with a number of clustered stems. two-lipped flowers of Justicia from Kenya, photo © Michael Plagens

FLOWERS: Two lipped, lavender flowers are in clusters in the leaf axils. In the throat are lines of darker purple and white serving as a nectar guide for bees.

RANGE: One of several species of Justicia found in highland areas of Kenya and Rift Valley.This is one of the more common species.

FRUIT: Two-valved, capsules.

UNARMED.

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 9 November 2014