return to: checklist; keys; family Ruscaceae

Sanseviera hyacinthoides (L.) Druce; Bowstring Hemp, Mother-in-law's Tongue, Lengua de Vaca

Coarse monocot herb; stem a creeping rhizome bearing leaf clusters at the tip; leaves alternate, simple, elongate, margin entire, apex acute, texture both leathery and succulent.

Additional images:

• leaves
• leaves (photographed at CICY, Merida)
• leaf, detail
• leaves and flowers
• leaves and flowers
• leaves and flowers
• flowers
• flowers
• flowers

Sansevieria species are native to Africa. They are widely cultivated throughout the tropics and frequently grown as houseplants in cool climates. The leaves are a source of fiber.