Star sansevieria, Spotted snake plant
Sansevieria kirkii

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A succulent plant. It is a herb without a stem. It has an underground stem of rhizome. The leaves are crowded and scaly. There are 3 leaves and they curve outwards. They are broadly strap shaped. They are 45-180 cm long by 6-9 cm wide and up to 1 cm thick. It grows up to 1.8 m high. The flower comes from a stalk in the centre of the plant. The flower arrangement is cone shaped. The flower is greenish-white. It has a scent like vanilla. The flowers bloom at night. The fruit is a round berry.

Also put in the family Dracaenaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It can tolerate drought. It is best in sun but can tolerate some shade. In Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Tanzania, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

It can be grown by dividing the rhizomes and using bulbs or offsets. It can be grown from leaf cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Mukusa

Synonyms

Sanseciera aubrytiana Gerome & Labroy; [Illegitimate] Sanseviera raffillii var. pulchra N. E. Br.;