Spiky mother-in-law's tongue
Dracaena pearsonii

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It does not have an above ground stem but has underground stems or rhizomes. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.2 m high. The leaves are succulent. They are erect and fleshy with a sharp spine at the end. They form a ring. They are 3 cm across. The flowers are white or light red. They are in clusters of up to 6. The fruit are bright orange berries on an erect flower stalk. The flower stalk can be 50-60 cm long.

Also put in the family Dracaenaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in loamy sands. It grows between 315-1,565 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The roots are sucked for their moisture.

Edible parts

Roots - water, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gui, Mfughu-fughu, Ongushe

Synonyms

Sansevieria desertii N. E. Br.; Sansevieria pearsonii N. E. Br.