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Sansevieria tonyae Mollel, Sikaawa & Yinger |
| Protologue: |
Sansevieria 55: 6-25 (2024). |
| Subgenus: |
Capitatus |
| Group: |
Sansevieria braunii |
| Etymology: |
This species is named for Mr. Efrahim Tonya, who had plants of this species growing near his house. |
| Distribution: |
Southwestern Tanzania, only known from one village in the Ruvumba District. |
| Brief Description: |
This is an acaulescent, broad-leaf rhizomatous species with 5-7 spirally arranged lanceolate leaves 119-132 cm long by 11-12 cm wide. The leaf base is slightly narrowed, and the leaves usually are recurved flexed near the midpoint. The smooth dark green leaves have subdued blotches and lines, are guttered for nearly their whole length, and taper to an acute but soft tip. The inflorescence is capitate and 75 cm with 2-5 flowers per cluster. The flowers have a faint smell of chocolate or vanilla when open. |
| Similar Species: |
Sansevieria tonyae is related to the other species with a vanilla scent to the inflorescence, especially Sansevieria braunii. Unlike that species, Sansevieria tonyae has a full capitate inflorescence and bears at least a superficial resemblance to Sansevieria kirkii, which grows far to the northeast from this species. |
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Sansevieria tonyae at type locality at an unnamed village in the Ruvuma Region, Tanzania.
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Sansevieria tonyae flowers in cultivation near Arusha, Tanzania, showing the capitate inflorescence.
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