| Protologue: |
Cactus and Succulent Journal (Los Angeles) 87(3): 116-118 (2015). |
| Subgenus: |
Sansevieria |
| Group: |
Sansevieria scimitariformis |
| Etymology: |
This species is named for the crescent-shaped cross section at the base of the leaves. |
| Distribution: |
South-central Kenya on the escarpment east of the Rift Valley. |
| Brief Description: |
This acaulescent species generally has 2 - 3 leaves that spread obliquely. The leaves are 85-130 cm long by 4-6.5 cm wide and 2-2.7 cm thick. A shallow channel occurs along the upper leaf surface, which is rough and dark green with irregular transverse bands or blotches of very pale green. The margins are red-brown with a fraying edge, and the apex is blunt. The inflorescence is 110 cm tall and simple with up to 7 flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria lunatifolia is unique among species known from Kenya and has similarities with the "bats" from southeastern Africa, including S. hallii, but that species is in subgenus Capitulatus. It bears greater similarities to S. enchiridiofolia from Tanzania but differs because of the laxly flowering inflorescence, as opposed to the dense flowers of S. enchiridiofolia. |
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Sansevieria lunatifolia flowering in cultivation.
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