Vanilla polylepis is a species of flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family found in Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly found along riverbanks and rocky gorges in humid forests. The leaves are quite succulent, shiny green, and elliptical with a prominent midrib for draining off excess water. Flowers will be produced in this species when a break in canopy above allows in more light. At this time a side branch is grown from which the flower is produced.