| Protologue: |
Bradleya 27: 157 (2009). |
| Subgenus: |
Paniculatus |
| Group: |
Sansevieria arborescens |
| Etymology: |
The epithet refers to its growth in dense thickets typically under trees. |
| Distribution: |
Southeastern area of Kenya on the coastal plains. |
| Brief Description: |
Another of the caulescent and rhizomatous species, Sansevieria dumetescens forms dense stands with individual clusters up to 3-m in diameter or more. The stem is erect to 160 cm high and about 3 cm in diameter. The smooth green leaves are 40-55 cm long and 3-4.5 cm across, are thin, flexible, and are lanceolate to linear-lanceolate in shape and have a reddish slightly wavy margin. They spiral on the stem and are spreading or recurved with a not-very-sharp tip. The inflorescence is up to 55 cm tall and paniculate with 4 - 6 tiny pinkish flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria dumetescens is easily distinguished from the other arborescent and paniculate species in coastal east Kenya because of its flexible light green leaves. Its leaves are much wider than its closest relative, Sansevieria bagamoyoensis. |
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Sansevieria dumetescens in cultivation near Nairobi, Kenya.
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A cultivated plant of Sansevieria dumetescens (WY 1157) propagated from material originally collected near Sala Gate, on the eastern side of Tsavo National Park, Kenya.
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