Polystachya mauritiana leaves

The three to five stem-sheathing leaves of Polystachya mauritiana grow distichous, i.e. in two vertical arrays on opposite sides of the stem. The leaf shape is narrowly elliptic or oblanceolate, the margins entire, tapering to an acutely pointed tip. The leaf surface is glossy dark green and leathery.

The plant grows clusters of conical and ribbed pseudobulbs at the base, enveloped in sheaths (Leistner, (Ed.), 2000; www.orchidspecies.com; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).