Polystachya transvaalensis leaves

The stems of Polystachya transvaalensis are covered in old leaf sheaths that are tubular and usually black. The pseudobulbs of this species are thin, cylindrically elongated, only about 5 mm wide, but varying in length from 8 cm to 22 cm.

Two to five leaves sheathing at the base grow on a stem. The leaves become 15 cm long and 2 cm wide. They have blunt, rounded tips (Pooley, 1998; www.orchidspecies.com).