Habenaria malacophylla leaves

The spreading leaves of Habenaria malacophylla are soft, as indicated by its specific (Latin) name, malacophylla. The leaves are oblanceolate in shape, i.e. lance-shaped, their broadest parts nearer the tip than the base.

From 10 to 18 leaves are usually grown, the leaf dimensions about 12 cm long and 3 cm wide. The lowest leaves are positioned on the stem about 15 cm above ground level, while the biggest ones are about halfway up to the inflorescence (Pooley, 1998; www.orchidspecies.com; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).