Mother-in-law's tongue

Biology

The mother-in-law’s tongue is a perennial and herbaceous plant formed by rhizomes – horizontal stalks that usually grow underground. Its thick leaves are deep green with yellow margins. The grow vertically and have sharp points, a feature that inspired its common name. It can reach up to 90 centimetres in height. Small fragrant white flowers bloom in spring which are followed by orange berries.

Conservation

This plant exhibits an extremely high resistance to environmental conditions, tolerating both drought periods and low temperatures.

Curiosities

These are ornamental plants that are associated with popular myths, such as that they keep bad luck away. Therefore, in some countries it is very common to find the mother-in-law’s tongue at the doors of the houses.