resurrection fern
Quick Summary
The "resurrection fern" is a common name for the gray polypody. The term "resurrection plant" can refer to several species of club mosses in the genus Selaginella, such as S. lepidophylla. These plants are known for their ability to close up when dry and rehydrate when moistened.12
Selaginella lepidophylla, also known as the false rose of Jericho or resurrection fern, is native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It belongs to the spike moss family. During dry periods, its stems curl into a ball, and the plant enters dormancy. It can survive for years in this state and can revive even if its roots are detached.34
The true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is a different plant, native to western Asia, and belongs to the mustard family. It also curls into a ball when dry and opens when moistened, but unlike S. lepidophylla, it needs to remain rooted to revive.3
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