mother-in-law’s tongue
Quick Summary
The plant commonly known as "mother-in-law's tongue" or "snake plant" is scientifically named Dracaena trifasciata. This species was formerly classified under the genus Sansevieria but is now placed within the Dracaena genus due to phylogenetic data. Native primarily to tropical Africa, it is a popular ornamental houseplant recognized for its attractive, upright, yellow-striped leaves. Some species within the Dracaena genus, including D. trifasciata, are known for their ability to help clean indoor air by removing chemicals like formaldehyde. The plant's leaf fibers have also been historically used for making ropes and bowstrings.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
