| Protologue: |
Sansevieria 10: 3 (2004). |
| Subgenus: |
Capitulatus |
| Group: |
Sansevieria hallii |
| Etymology: |
The epithet refers to the ground-level occurrence of the capitate inflorescence. |
| Distribution: |
Zimbabwe, only known from one locality in the southeastern part of the country near the Mozambique border. |
| Brief Description: |
This acaulescent species typically has 1 - 3 spreading and reflexed leaves that are flat with a vague gutter. The leaves are 25-45 cm long and 8 cm wide, and the base of the leaves is about a 1.7 cm thick. The leaves range from dark green to gray-green with vague mottling and patches of lighter-colored epidermis. The leaf margin is slightly wavy, and the tip is blunt. As previously mentioned, the diagnostic characteristic of this species is a capitate inflorescence nearly on the ground surface that is about 5 cm tall with 4 flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria humiflora is closely related to Sansevieria hallii and other members of that group of species that occurs in a geographic area centered on Zimbabwe. It is not yet clear whether this species should remain at species rank or be reassigned to subspecies status under another species from the region, particularly S. hallii. The wavy margins of the leaves are suggestive of a relationship with Sansevieria bhitalae, a much larger species that grows well to the north in Tanzania. That species, however, has thinner leaves and is more related to Sansevieria scimitariformis. |
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Sansevieria humiflora flowering in cultivation in Zimbabwe (photograph by Mary Wilkins-Ellert).
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Sansevieria humiflora in cultivation.
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Sansevieria humiflora 'Hawaiian Star', a cultivar developed in Hawaii.
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