Discover the history of Snake Plant (Sansevieria), including why the plant is sometimes called Mother-in-Law Tongue. Snake Plant has an interesting history that includes the renaming of the plant over hundreds of years.
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Today, we continue with our Plant Stories series, focusing on the fascinating history of the Sansevieria, also commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue. I have a care video and a plant spotlight on this plant, which I will link below, along with any other relevant videos mentioned in today’s episode.
Sansevieria is native to the dry, rocky habitats of tropical Africa and parts of Arabia and India. Although often thought of as a succulent, Sansevieria is actually a member of the Dracaena family. The plant has a rich history of reclassification and renaming.
Initially grouped with aloe by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, Sansevieria’s classification evolved over time. It was named Sansevieria by the botanist Ramon de Sangro, a lesser-known prince and horticultural patron in the 1700s. In 1903, the plant was identified as part of the genus Dracaena by botanist David Prain, who included Sansevieria trifasciata in his list of Bengal plants. Prain became the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1905.
Modern genome sequencing, including work done at the DNA Bank at Kew, finally placed the snake plant under its correct genus, Dracaena, in 2017. Thus, the plant is officially known as Dracaena trifasciata, though many still refer to it as Sansevieria or snake plant.
The name “mother-in-law’s tongue” comes from the plant’s oxalic crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested, leading to a sore throat. Despite this, snake plant is considered a delicacy for elephants, who enjoy munching on it. The plant’s coloration, reminiscent of a snake’s, helps it blend into its environment and avoid being eaten by these large herbivores.
Sansevieria has also found diverse uses. In Africa, it is used to produce sustainable, biodegradable yarn, ropes, textiles, and bowstrings. Indigenous peoples in Malaysia have used the plant to treat ear infections and swelling. Horticulturists have bred various popular cultivars of Dracaena trifasciata, including the well-known ‘Moonshine’ and ‘Bantel’s Sensation.’
So, there you have it—a detailed look at the intriguing history of Sansevieria, which started out as an aloe and is now classified under Dracaena.
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FAQ about Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
What is Sansevieria commonly known as?
Sansevieria is commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue.
Where is Sansevieria native to?
Sansevieria is native to the dry, rocky habitats of tropical Africa, parts of Arabia, and India.
Is Sansevieria a succulent?
Although often thought of as a succulent, Sansevieria is actually a member of the Dracaena family.
What is the history of Sansevieria’s classification?
Sansevieria was initially grouped with aloe by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It was later named Sansevieria by botanist Ramon de Sangro in the 1700s. In 1903, botanist David Prain identified it as part of the genus Dracaena. Modern genome sequencing in 2017 finally placed it under the genus Dracaena, making its official name Dracaena trifasciata.
Why is it called “mother-in-law’s tongue”?
The name “mother-in-law’s tongue” comes from the plant’s oxalic crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested, leading to a sore throat.
What animals enjoy eating Sansevieria?
Despite its irritating properties, the snake plant is considered a delicacy for elephants, who enjoy munching on it.
What are some uses of Sansevieria?
In Africa, Sansevieria is used to produce sustainable, biodegradable yarn, ropes, textiles, and bowstrings. Indigenous peoples in Malaysia have used it to treat ear infections and swelling.
What are some popular cultivars of Dracaena trifasciata?
Popular cultivars of Dracaena trifasciata include ‘Moonshine’ and ‘Bantel’s Sensation.’
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