sansevieria

[ san-suh-vee-eer-ee-uh, -suh-veer-ee-uh ]

noun

1. any plant belonging to the genus Sansevieria, of the agave family, grown as a houseplant for its stiff, sword-shaped leaves and white or yellow flowers.

sansevieria

/ ˌsænsɪˈvɪərɪə /

noun

1. any herbaceous perennial plant of the liliaceous genus Sansevieria, of Old World tropical regions. Some are cultivated as house plants for their erect bayonet-like fleshy leaves of variegated green (mother-in-law's tongue); others yield useful fibre (bowstring hemp)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sansevieria¹

1795–1805; < New Latin; named after San Seviero, principality of Raimondo di Sangro (1710–71), learned Neapolitan; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of sansevieria¹

New Latin, named after Raimondo di Sangro (1710–71), Italian scholar and prince of San Severo

Example Sentences

The easiest plants to start with, according to Tarte, are the ones that shrug off the cool nights Seattle throws into the summer mix, including citrus, yucca, sansevieria, succulents and ficus.

From Seattle Times

Popular types of sansevieria, such as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, are easy to grow, require little water and thrive in warm interiors.

From Los Angeles Times

Snake plants: Because snake plants, or sansevieria, are so common, Gordon suggests going with a more interesting species of the genus.

From Seattle Times

Because snake plants, or sansevieria, are so common, Gordon suggests going with a more interesting species of the genus.

From Washington Post

Greenery dots the space — small ferns, a sansevieria, a ZZ plant.

From Washington Post