Dracaena trifasciata

Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb., Mabberley’s Pl.-Book, ed. 4: 1101. 2017; Sansevieria trifasciata Prain, Bengal Pl. 2: 1054. 1903.

Evergreen, perennial, erect, stemless herb with thick fleshy rhizome, often stoloniferous, scapigerous. Leaves perennial, basal in rosette, 2-6 leaves in each rosette, erect; leaf blades linear-lanceolate or ensiform, 30-90 cm x 5-6 cm, thick and somewhat fleshy, narrow and thickened towards bottom forming a concave channel at the base of leaves, margin entire, apex pointed; both surfaces dark green with conspicuous irregular strips and transverse bands of pale green or whitish green colour.

Scapes erect upright, 30-75 cm long bearing terminal racemes with numerous flowers. Racemes erect upright, 40-75 cm long (including peduncle). Flowers bisexual, white, yellowish white or greenish white, slightly scented, usually arranged in fascicles of 1-3 on flowering stem; pedicels 6-8 mm long, articulated at about middle. Perianth 2.5-3 cm long, tepals 6, connate at base to form a tube, lobes narrowly linear broadening towards the greenish tip, recurved. Stamens 6, filaments 7-8 mm long. Ovary superior, 3- locular; style 1.5-1.8 cm long; stigma small. Berry globose, 7-9 mm in diameter, orange, 1-2 seeded. Seeds globular- ellipsoid, 6-7 mm x 5 mm, cream brown. (Inflorescences and flowers not observed)

Common Names: Snake Plant, Saint George’s Sword, Mother- in- law’s Tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp