we call it the "tongue plant"

by diane martin
(north fork, ca)

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