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Glite Dictionary
Sansevieria trifasciata

Sansevieria trifasciata

8.1
A common houseplant with long, stiff leaves that grow upright
  • proper noun
  • /ˌsæn.səˈvɪr.i.ə traɪˈfæʃ.i.ɑː.tə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Sansevieria trifasciata
  • Botanists often recommend Sansevieria trifasciata for improving indoor air quality.

Examples

  • The Sansevieria trifasciata is popular in offices due to its low maintenance requirements.

  • I placed a Sansevieria trifasciata by the window to brighten up the room.

  • The Sansevieria trifasciata is a popular choice for indoor gardening.

  • I bought a Sansevieria trifasciata from the local nursery.

  • Many people choose Sansevieria trifasciata because it thrives in low light conditions.

  • I was surprised to learn that Sansevieria trifasciata can survive for weeks without water.

  • In my apartment, Sansevieria trifasciata has become a favorite houseplant due to its striking appearance.

Synonyms

snake plant
vsSansevieria trifasciata
3.9

A houseplant with long, stiff leaves that grow upright

is the formal botanical species name for that same plant
mother-in-law's tongue
vsSansevieria trifasciata
5.5

A houseplant with long upright thick leaves often called snake plant

is the formal botanical species name rather than the common name

Surface Forms

Sansevieria trifasciata main

Morphology

Sansevieria + trifasciata

This is a scientific binomial name: while 'Sansevieria' signals a plant genus, 'trifasciata' is not a recognizable English word and the combination functions as a fixed Latin label rather than a compositional English phrase. A B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the common meaning ('snake plant' / a specific houseplant) from the parts, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Sansevieria trifasciata is made of two parts: Sansevieria was named for an Italian noble (the Prince of San Severo) and trifasciata means 'three-striped' in Latin. The 'three-striped' part points to the long leaves with pale bands, so the name fits the common 'snake plant' with striped, sword-like leaves.