Sansevieria, which is native to Africa, is commonly called the snake plant, because of the shape of its leaves, or mother-in-law's tongue because of their sharpness. It forms dense stands, spreading by way of its creeping roots. Its stiff sword-shaped leaves grow vertically from a basal rosette. Leaves are banded yellow on either side with the deep green, lightly banded center. Mature leaves are dark green with light gray-green cross-banding. It is grown for the hemp-like fiber in the leaves, which is called bowstring hemp. They grow small greenish-white flowers on spikes but are attractive due to their foliage. They tolerate low light conditions and are very drought tolerant. They are propagated by division of roots at any time of the year. Common Names Snake Plant, Mother-in-law's tongue, Mother-in-law's Nose, Viper's Bowstring Hemp Botanical Name Sansevieria trifasciata, Sansevieria Laurentii