Mother-in-law's tongue
Sansevieria trifasciata
Asperagaceae (flowering plant family)
Introduced
Asperagaceae (flowering plant family)
Introduced
Sansevieria trifasciata is an evergreen perennial plant forming dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping rhizome, which is sometimes above ground, sometimes underground. Its stiff leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette. Mature leaves are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding and usually range from 28–35 inches long and 2.0–2.4 inches wide, though it can reach heights above 6 feet in optimal conditions.
Sansevieria trifasciata is commonly called mother-in-law's tongue or snake plant, because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves. It is also known as the viper's bowstring hemp, because it is one of the sources for plant fibers used to make bowstrings.
The NASA Clean Air Study found S. trifasciata has air purification qualities, removing 4 of the 5 main toxins.