| Synonyms: |
Dracaena richardsii (P.A. Mansf. & M.J. Spindl.) M.H.J. van der Meer |
| Common names: | |
| Frequency: | Rare. |
| Status: | Native |
| Description: |
Acaulescent perennial with underground rhizome. Leaves 2-5, 35–65 × 9–20 cm, up to 5 mm thick, lanceolate to elongate-lanceolate, upright, shallowly U-shaped in cross-section, glaucous with speckled transverse bands, forming a cone around the inflorescences; margin with narrow red-brown line. Inflorescence an elongated thyrse up to 60 cm. Flowers 0.5-0.6 cm; petals on the outside white with mauve longitudinal stripes, inside white. Fruit a berry, 8-15 mm, globose, 1- to 3-lobed. |
| Type location: |
Zimbabwe, Mpinge Pass on the ridges of the Great Dyke |
| Notes: | |
| Derivation of specific name: | richardsii: David (“Dave”) John Richards (1925-2012), from Harare in Zimbabwe who was a leading member and later honorary member of the Aloe, Cactus and Succulent Society of Zimbabwe for more than 40 years. |
| Habitat: | Poor chromium-rich soils of the Great Dyke. |
| Altitude range: (metres) | |
| Flowering time: | |
| Worldwide distribution: | Zimbabwe only |
| FZ divisions: | N |
| Growth form(s): | |
| Endemic status: | |
| Red data list status: | |
| Insects associated with this species: | |
| Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
| Literature: |
Mansfeld, P.A. & Spindler, M.J. (2023). Sansevieria richardsii, a new species from Zimbabwe Sansevieira Online 11(1) A1 Pages 1 - 11. (Includes a picture). |