Species and cultivars of Sansevieria
as ornamental plants.
The genus Sansevieria (Agavaceae) is made of
sixty species and different cultivars coming from hybridization.
They are normally known as “snakes
plants”, “bowstring hemp” and”“mother-in-law’s
tongue” because of the shape of their leaves, flattened,
lanceolate or cylindrical. In spite of their utilization as
fibber producer and as a defence against “bad luck”
(according to some popular beliefs), many species and
their cultivars are ornamental, commercially grown as
foliage, with a variation of the usage, according to their
growth habit, shape, texture and colors of their leaves.
Besides their esthetical qualities, they are rustic and can
be adapted to a wide range of areas, even the ones less
favorable to the cultivation of many others species.
Although species of Sansevieria have been cultivated
for a long time, their potential has not been explored,
neither in beds nor as potted plants. This article aims
to provide the increase of interest in sansevieria usage,
showing their potential as foliage plant, in floral art.