| Protologue: |
Sansevieria 55: 6-25 (2024). |
| Subgenus: |
Sansevieria |
| Group: |
Sansevieria elliptica |
| Etymology: |
This species is named for the Babati District of north-central Tanzania where it was found. |
| Distribution: |
Babati District of north-central Tanzania on a sunny mountainside near the town of Babati. |
| Brief Description: |
This is an acaulescent, broad-leaf rhizomatous species with 10-14 lanceolate leaves (the photographs show 2-5 leaves per shoot) that are 66-82 cm long by 8.6-10.3 cm wide. The leaf base is slightly narrowed, and the leaves may be erect or spreading and stiff. The leaves are glaucous blue-green to gray-green with a reddish margin, are broadly guttered, and taper to an acute but soft tip. The leaves bear numerous lighter green blotches and are smooth on the top and rough on the bottom. The inflorescence is simple, 81 cm tall and 16 mm in diameter with 3-4 flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria babatiensis is closely related to Sansevieria nebrownii, which has similar leaves and flower characteristics. |
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Sansevieria babatiensis flowering in cultivation near Arusha, Tanzania.
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