The stalked leaves of Justicia protracta subsp. protracta are opposite and variable in shape. 

Young leaves are roundly ovate, while older ones become notably bigger and angular, sometimes in an arrow-head shape. The young leaves in picture are dark green and glossy with indistinct venation, the older ones paler and duller with clear midrib and a few lateral veins ascending from it.

The margins are entire. The slender stems and the leaves are hairy but variably so. Leaf size ranges from 5 mm to 70 mm long and 2 mm to 45 mm wide (Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; www.theplantlibrary.co.za).