Rose of Jericho | Definition, Plant, Types, & Facts (2024)

Rose of Jericho | Definition, Plant, Types, & Facts (1)

rose of Jericho, either of two species of unrelated plants known for their ability to survive dessication. The true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is native to western Asia and is the only species of the genus Anastatica of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The small gray plant curls its branches and seedpods inward in the dry season, forming a ball that opens only when moistened. It can survive for years in that form, though it is sometimes uprooted and blown by the wind like a tumbleweed. If still rooted when moistened, it spreads into a green plant as much as 30 cm (1 foot) wide and bears minute white flowers.

False rose of Jericho, or resurrection fern (Selaginella lepidophylla), is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of the United States and Mexico and is a member of the spike moss family (Selaginellaceae). During dry weather its stems curl into a tight ball and the plant enters a period of dormancy. It too can become a tumbleweed, but unlike the true rose of Jericho, S. lepidophylla can revive in the presence of moisture even if its roots have been disrupted. The plant is green and fernlike in appearance and reproduces by spores, and it is often sold as a curiosity.

Rose of Jericho | Definition, Plant, Types, & Facts (2)

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Rose of Jericho | Definition, Plant, Types, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Rose of Jericho | Definition, Plant, Types, & Facts? ›

The true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is native to western Asia and is the only species of the genus Anastatica of the mustard family

mustard family
Brassicaceae (/ˌbræsɪˈkeɪsiːˌiː, -siˌaɪ/) or (the older) Cruciferae (/kruːˈsɪfəri/) is a medium-sized and economically important family of flowering plants commonly known as the mustards, the crucifers, or the cabbage family. Most are herbaceous plants, while some are shrubs.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Brassicaceae
(Brassicaceae). The small gray plant curls its branches and seedpods inward in the dry season, forming a ball that opens only when moistened.

Are there different types of Rose of Jericho? ›

The two that go by the name “Rose of Jericho” are Anastatica heirochuntica and Selaginella lepidophylla. Anastatica heirochuntica is also called “True” Rose of Jericho. This plant hails from the Middle East (i.e. Jericho) and is less common than Selaginella lepidophylla.

How long does it take for a Rose of Jericho to turn green? ›

To activate this mysterious plant, place it in a dish of room temperature water, ensuring roots are fully submerged. Allow it to rest in a bright spot and watch it unfurl/green over 24-48 hours.

What does Rose of Jericho do to the body? ›

Rose of Jericho has a variety of beneficial plant components such as chlorogenic acid, quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Ancient cultures all around the world used the herb to cure a variety of conditions, including pain, induce delivery, relieve menstrual cramps, and more.

How long can you keep Rose of Jericho in water? ›

The Rose of Jericho is a plant that is incredibly hard to kill! It can be kept in a dark cupboard for years and still revive in water. When placed in a bowl of water, it perks up within about four hours. Don't leave it standing in water for more than a few days, as this will make it rot.

What is the true Rose of Jericho plant? ›

The true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is native to western Asia and is the only species of the genus Anastatica of the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The small gray plant curls its branches and seedpods inward in the dry season, forming a ball that opens only when moistened.

What is the difference between the Rose of Jericho and the false Rose of Jericho? ›

The true Rose of Jericho, Anastatica hierochuntica, must establish root in order to be resurrected, however the fake Rose of Jericho can dry up and be revived if water is available.

Why does my Rose of Jericho smell? ›

Spots on leaves or a musty odor are your red flags for mold or fungus. These uninvited guests thrive in moist environments, turning your Rose of Jericho's home into their own fungal rave.

Will my Rose of Jericho turn green? ›

Resurrection plant, also known as Rose of Jericho, is a type of spike moss that can survive for several years without water, drying up and curling its fronds inwards into a ball shape. When watered, it will unfurl and be "resurrected" into a green, mossy plant.

Should I trim my Rose of Jericho? ›

Spring pruning promotes healthy Rose of Jericho growth. Use bypass pruners for precise cuts; sterilize before snipping. Water after a few days to let cuts callous, preventing rot.

What is the spiritual meaning of the Rose of Jericho? ›

This repeating process of hibernation has earned rose of Jericho the name “resurrection plant.” It symbolizes transformation, renewal, and prosperity to people of many faiths, such as Christianity, Santeria, and Hoodoo.

What is so special about Jericho? ›

The city's site is of great archaeological importance; it provides evidence of the first development of permanent settlements and thus of the first steps toward civilization. Traces have been found of visits of Mesolithic hunters, carbon-dated to about 9000 bce, and of a long period of settlement by their descendants.

Why is it called Rose of Jericho? ›

Selaginella lepidophylla is not to be confused with Anastatica: both species are resurrection plants and form tumbleweeds, and they share the common name “rose of Jericho.” This common name refers to the biblical city of Jericho, which was constantly reborn from its ashes like this plant that is endowed with the ...

Is Rose of Jericho good for skin? ›

It is currently listed in various journals as one of the plants most beneficial for skincare. Here's when you should use Jericho skin care: Anti-aging - Antioxidant properties in the oil of this plant help fight free radicals, which are atoms with just one electron that do the most damage to your skin cells.

How big can Rose of Jericho grow? ›

6 to 12 inches

How do you feed Rose of Jericho? ›

Rose of Jericho grows very slowly and doesn't require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant's potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer! Rose of Jericho is native to Worldwide.

What is the difference between anastatica hierochuntica and selaginella lepidophylla? ›

Selaginella lepidophylla is a true resurrection plant that can revive and regain metabolic function after a period of extreme desiccation. Anastatica hierochuntica is not a resurrection plant, but rather a tumbleweed also capable of repeated expansion and retraction, which superficially resembles revival.

What is the rarest type of rose in the world? ›

1. Juliet Rose – Rarest Rose. The Juliet Rose is not only considered to be one of the rarest flowers in the world, but it's also the rarest rose in the world because it took 15 years for rose breeder David Austin to cultivate the flower in England. Additionally, it cost him a whopping $4.3 million to do so.

What is the difference between the different types of roses? ›

A form of the hybrid tea or grandiflora rose, miniature roses and miniflora roses are typically shorter and a bit more compact. Miniature roses can grow anywhere between 15-30 inches, whereas a miniflora rose offers intermediate-sized blooms closer to the size of a floribunda.

Does a Rose of Jericho need to be submerged in water? ›

No. Rose of Jericho plants should not be completely submerged in water. Instead, plants should be placed on top of a layer of water and gravel so that the bottom of the plant is just barely covered by water.

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