Blue pussyleaf (Nelsonia canescens, Syst. Veg. 1: 42 (1824))

Family: Acanthaceae

Author: (Lam.) Spreng.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg. 1: 42 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nelsonia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World to N. Australia

Description

Blue pussyleaf, scientifically known as Nelsonia canescens, is a fascinating species belonging to the Acanthaceae family. This plant was first detailed in the botanical work, “Systema Vegetabilium,” in 1824, and its formal description was authored by the botanist Sprengel, based on the earlier classification by Lamarck.

Primarily found across tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, extending to Northern Australia, Blue pussyleaf flourishes in varied climates, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. This widespread presence reflects its successful naturalization and ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions.

The plant is notable for its characteristic leaves, which are adorned with fine, soft hairs that give it a greyish-blue hue, hence the common name, “Blue pussyleaf.” It often finds itself amidst other verdant foliage, where its delicate coloring provides a unique contrast.

Nelsonia canescens is a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for horticulturists and nature enthusiasts. Its subtle beauty and robust nature make it an appealing addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. Understanding its growth patterns and ecological preferences can aid in its conservation and optimal cultivation, allowing future generations to appreciate the charm of Blue pussyleaf.

Common Names

Eng: blue pussyleaf
En: Blue pussyleaf
Zh: 瘤子草
Ff: Manda mbaala
Ml: നീല പൂച്ചയില
Zh-tw: 瘤子草

Synonyms

• Nelsonia albicans (Kunth)
• Nelsonia canescens var. vestita ((Schult.) E.Hossain)
• Justicia bengalensis (Spreng.)
• Nelsonia villosa (Oerst.)
• Dianthera tomentosa (Roxb. ex C.B.Clarke)
• Ruellia eriostachya (Bojer ex Nees)
• Nelsonia campestris (R.Br.)
• Rhaphidospora vestita (G.Don)
• Nelsonia brunelloides var. canescens ((Lam.) Kuntze)
• Justicia lamiifolia (J.Koenig ex Roxb.)
• Nelsonia campestris var. vestita ((Schult.) C.B.Clarke)
• Nelsonia senegalensis (Oerst.)
• Nelsonia rotundifolia (R.Br.)
• Zahlbrucknera repens (Pohl ex Nees)
• Nelsonia pohlii (Nees)
• Justicia pusilla (Pohl ex Nees)
• Nelsonia nummulariifolia ((Vahl) Roem. & Schult.)
• Nelsonia smithii (Oerst.)
• Nelsonia lamiifolia ((J.Koenig ex Roxb.) R.Br. ex Spreng.)
• Nelsonia vestita (Schult.)
• Nelsonia tomentosa (A.Dietr.)
• Dianthera celebica (Rolfe)
• Strophacanthus bonthainensis (Bremek.)
• Justicia ajugoides (Buch.-Ham. ex Nees)
• Justicia pentasticha (Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.)
• Rostellularia bonthainensis (Bremek.)
• Justicia origanoides (Vahl)
• Justicia nummulariifolia (Vahl)
• Justicia tomentosa (Roxb.)
• Acanthodium spicatum (Nees)
• Justicia canescens (Lam.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Congo (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Laos (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Margaret Bassey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Margaret Bassey (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by ESPOIR ANDJI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2022 by Steve Morris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Debraj Chakraborty (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 23, 1976 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 23, 1991 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 13, 1996 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 25, 1952 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415356)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:52558-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth