Habenaria nyikana subsp. nyikana leaves

The leaves of Habenaria nyikana subsp. nyikana clasp the stem. The stem is annual, growing from a perennial tuber. The plant reaches 1 m in favourable conditions. Near the base the longest leaves spread away from the stem. Higher up, to the first flowers in the spike, they become progressively smaller, pressed flatly against the stem in vertical position. The consecutive leaves are spaced by their sheaths, pointing in different directions, but at similar angles from each other around the stem, in elegant configuration.

Leaf shape is narrowly lanceolate with upturned margins and gradual attenuation to acute tips. There are three conspicuous longitudinal veins visible on leaf surfaces (www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).