Dracaena angolensis aka Cylindrical Snake Plant

Dracaena angolensis is an evergreen succulent from southern tropical Africa. Its range includes Angola and Zambia. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Older sources call it Sansevieria cylindrica. Common names include African spear, cylindrical snake plant, and bowstring hemp. Gardeners grow it for its stiff, upright leaves. People also harvest leaf fibre to make rope.

This slow-growing perennial forms clumps from underground rhizomes. These stems spread and produce new shoots beside the parent. Garden sources give heights of about 3–6 feet [0.9–1.83 metres]. NC State reports leaves reaching 7 feet [2.13 metres]. Clumps can spread to about 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The fleshy leaves rise from a fan-shaped basal rosette. Each leaf is round or nearly round in cross-section. Leaves measure about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Their grey-green surface carries darker stripes and bands. Each stiff leaf narrows toward a pointed tip.

Flowers grow along an upright raceme above the leaves. They have a scent and white tubes tinged with pink. Six narrow lobes curl back around long, projecting stamens. NC State records summer bloom; Chicago lists July and August. Plants in containers bloom only from time to time. The ripe fruit is a fleshy red berry. It measures less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across.

Give this plant bright, filtered light and freely draining soil. A sandy mix made for succulents suits its roots. It accepts some sun, but harsh summer sun can scorch leaves. Shade can reduce leaf height and thickness. Established plants cope well with drought and need little care. Water less in winter than during active growth. Keep it warm and protect it from frost and winter wet. Chicago lists USDA zones 10–11; the RHS rates it H1B. NC State advises bringing plants inside below 55°F. Shallow clay pots help support the heavy leaves. It serves as an indoor accent or outdoor ground cover where hardy. Propagate it through division or leaf cuttings; it needs no pruning.

Too much water can cause root rot. Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, and vine weevil. The RHS reports few other disease problems. No edible or medicinal uses are recorded by Useful Tropical Plants. Do not eat any part of this plant. It contains saponins and can harm people, cats, and dogs. Pets may vomit, drool, or develop stomach pain after eating it. Sap may also irritate skin.