| Protologue: |
Cactus and Succulent Society (Los Angeles) 73: 120 (2001). |
| Etymology: |
The epithet refers to the shiny appearance of the leaves. |
| Subgenus: |
Sansevieria |
| Group: |
Sansevieria raffillii |
| Distribution: |
Southeastern Kenya and possibly northern Tanzania. |
| Brief Description: |
An acaulescent and rhizomatous perennial, this species has 1 - 5 leaves per cluster that are erect-spreading, lanceolate, and shiny dark green with grey-green blotches in bands on the smooth upper surface and a dull gray-green color on the lower surface, which is rough to the touch. The leaves are about 40 cm in length and 6 cm wide, and the base narrows into a petiole; the tip is soft and pointed; and the margins are brownish and fibrous. The inflorescence is 15-24 cm tall and simple with 1 - 2 flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria nitida generally looks like a small form of Sansevieria raffillii. Otherwise, it is a rather distinctive species owing to the combination of a shiny upper surface and a rough lower one as well as the generally smaller size. |
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Sansevieria nitida in habitat near Kibwezi, Kenya.
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Sansevieria nitida flowering in cultivation.
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