Genus of about 60 species of stemless, xerophytic rhizomatous, evergreen perennials from dry, rocky habitats in tropical and subtropical Africa, Madagascar, India, Indonesia and South Florida. Sansevieria is an easy-to-grow plant. This plant is known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue in Britain and Snakeskin Plant in the US. It will grow in bright sunshine or shade, withstand dry air, draughts and periods without water, and it rarely needs repotting. It can, however, be quite easily killed by prolonged overwatering in winter and prolonged exposure to near freezing temperatures.