Synonyms

Sansevieria trifasciata Prain

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Anthophyta

Order: Asparagales

Family: Asparagaceae

Native: Africa

Common Names

English – Snake plant, Mother-in-law’s tongue

Malayalam –  സർപ്പപ്പോള, മരൽ

Others – Bowstring hemp.

Description: Dracaena trifasciata, commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy and low-maintenance indoor plant with long, upright leaves that are typically dark green with lighter striping.

Habitat: A weed of roadsides, abandoned gardens, waste areas, disturbed sites, coastal environs, open woodlands, riparian vegetation and the margins of closed forests in tropical, sub-tropical and warmer temperate regions

Distribution: Native to tropical Africa.

Uses: The plant is used to treat ringworm and fungal diseases. The leaf sap is applied directly on infected sores, cuts and grazes, it is also used to treat fungal and scabies infections.

Others: The fibers of this plant were used to make bowstrings by the Yoruba people who live in the native range of the plant: from the Congo westwards to Nigeria.