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Sansevieria tembo Yinger, Sikawa & Mollel |
| Protologue: |
Sansevieria 55: 6-25 (2024). |
| Subgenus: |
Sansevieria |
| Group: |
Sansevieria raffillii |
| Etymology: |
This epithet is the Swahili name for elephant because the usually twin leaves resemble the ears of that animal. |
| Distribution: |
West-central Tanzania in the Tabora Region. |
| Brief Description: |
An acaulescent rhizomatous species that grows on termite mounds, it has oblanceolate to lanceolate leaves, typically 1-2 per shoot, that are 18-33 long by 8-15 wide with a thin reddish margin. The leaves typically are decumbent and highly patterned with a green to blue-green background. They are smooth, vaguely guttered, and taper to a broad, soft tip. The inflorescence is simple, 15-20 cm tall and densely flowered with 2-4 flowers per cluster. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria tembo has characteristics that relate it to a number of species, but owing to its simple inflorescence, it likely belongs in the Sansevieria raffillii group. It bears a striking resemblance to some forms of Sansevieria braunii, which also can be decumbent and grow on termite mounds but has a subcapitate inflorescence. That species typically is less decorated and much bigger than S. tembo as well. |
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Sansevieria tembo in habitat on a termite mound in the Tabora Region, Tanzania.
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Sansevieria tembo flowering in cultivation near Arusha, Tanzania.
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