African bow string hemp
Sansevieria hyacinthoides

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb. It is a bulb plant or has spreading rhizomes of underground stems. It grows 50 cm tall. There are 2-8 leaves in a ring. They are narrow or sword shaped and 60 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. The flowers are in tufts on long stalks. The fruit is a berry. It is yellow or orange.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Anguilla, Caribbean, Central America, Nicaragua, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Mother-in-law's tongue

Synonyms

Aloe hyacinthoides L.; and several others