Unusual Plants

Rose of Jericho

The Rose of Jericho (Selaginella pilifera), also known as the Resurrection flower or Doradilla flower, is a desert plant growing in the Middle East and Central America. For long periods, these 'roses' live in desert regions, growing and reproducing as any other plant until the environment no longer supports an adequate existence. When this time has come, the flowers and leaves are dead and fallen, they lose moisture and the drying branches curl inwards, forming a round ball. They retract their roots from the soil and allow the desert winds to carry them across the desert, until one day they arrive in a damp place where they can continue to grow and spread. The ball then expands again, opens flat on the ground and deposits its seeds, which germinate. Once watered, the dried-up looking young plants soon begin to bud.

Even after 50 years without water the plant will resurrect, no surprise it is sometimes called dinosaur plant!

Effects

The rose of Jericho is sold in Mexican markets for use as a diuretic. It is also used in rituals of voodoo and Cuban santeria to generate love, luck and money. When carried on a person it is said to absorb negative energy.

Usage

Completely dried out Jericho roses will grow if placed in water and left. When it is dry, it folds and turns gray and brittle. Yet place it in water and it recovers its natural green colour and unfolds to become a lovely living organism again, and it can do this over and over again. Place the Rose in a saucer or bowl of water for 3 days or more, until it becomes green and open. The water must be changed often. Allow the plant to dry out completely, after a week of being green and alive.