Somali Hemp

First of all, how evocative is that common name (Somali hemp)?  Immediately I think of drug-running pirates and gunfights and war.   None of those are good things, of course, but I didn't say it was a "good" common name either, just an evocative one...

Anyhoo, the botanical name for Somali hemp may be more familar: Sansevieria grandis.  Chances are if you've ever been to a mall (or my apartment, for that matter), you've seen its relative, Sanseviera trifasciata, which also has some scary-sounding common names: snake plant, or mother-in-law's tongue. 

S. trifasciata is a common houseplant, but Somali hemp, less so.  It is native to Kenya and south Africa and is in the Agavaceae family.  Its succulent leaves means it can survive a long time in hot, dry climates.  The genus is named for Italian Prince Raimond de Sansgrio de Sanseviero, an 18th century patron of botanical expeditions.