we call it the "tongue plant"

by diane martin
(north fork, ca)

tongue plant

tongue plant

Emerald green leaves that look like huge tongues (up to 12" long and 3" wide) emerge in a fan-like manner from the plant. My plant is over 40 years old (passed on through the family). Strange-looking, fan-shaped, off-white flowers (bloom occasionally) on tall stems. One flower per stem. Plant flourishes in morning light. Pretty sure it is a succulent because I have started new plants from leaf cuttings. Doesn't like to be overwatered.

Drought Smart Plants reply:
Hi Diane, my first thought when I saw this was it's a Clivia, until I saw the description of the flowers - Clivia has orange flowers, in the shape of trumpets clustered together - so this is a different animal. I wonder when it will bloom next? If it's soon, then contact me and send me a picture of the flower - that's usually the clincher in identifying a plant. With this one, as it looks similar to several other plants, I can't identify it - sorry!

That's extremely cool that it's become an heirloom plant.

Jack

Comments for
we call it the "tongue plant"

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Apr 19, 2012
 Haemanthus
by: Ronaele

Looks like Haemanthus, probably albiflos to me.
Given brighter light, the leaves would be shorter, firmer and a darker green colour. This is a South African bulb. Very interesting flowers!
Oct 08, 2012
 I have one that's 100 years old
by: Jon Courtney

To whomever is interested this plant which is pictured has been traced back for over 100 years I have my self observed this plant for 50 years. originally there were 4 plants in the pot which were neglected. I had the false idea that it was getting its moisture from the atmosphere. When it died off to a single plant I removed the survivor and placed in new soil. That was 10 years ago and i began to slowly water it more often. On June 6 of this year we were shocked to see a flower blossom. myself and my wife have never seen one from the plant before. To our amazement it reblossomed in September of this year. If this intrigues you as much as it intrigues us contact us at phinri (at)gmail.com for more information I can email you the picture.
Nov 20, 2012
 I have one that's blossomed
by: Jon Courtney

I am in possession of one of these plants that has blossomed. Plus it is over 100 years old. Please help me identify it. Thanks!

John, if you look at the comment by Ronaele, I think she probably has the right name of Haemanthus albiflos. Dave's Garden Website has this plant guide on it - see if this looks like yours.

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