The term “Rose of Jericho” includes various desert plants that have adapted to the inhospitable conditions of their homeland. These - dead or not - are brought back to life by placing them in a bowl of cold water. For this reason, their lovers also refer to them as “resurrection plants,” with the Rose of Jericho in particular being said to have a deep, mystical meaning. But how can you distinguish the “false” from the “real” Jericho rose?
What is the False Rose of Jericho?
The false rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla) is a moss fern native to Central America that is often mistakenly sold as the true rose of Jericho. It is an alternately moist plant that can withstand extreme drought and “resurrects” when water is supplied.
The real rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica)
The so-called real rose of Jericho is widespread in the hot and dry areas of North Africa as well as the Arabian Peninsula, Israel and Jordan up to Pakistan. The desert plant only lives for one year and dies after the pods and seeds have successfully formed. The leaves of the plant curl up and hide the seeds inside - this is intended to protect the offspring from the merciless desert sun. The next time it rains, the plant unfolds again and releases the seeds. However, this is only apparently a revival, because the mother plant is - and remains - actually dead.
Revive the Real Rose of Jericho
You can recreate this revitalizing effect at home by placing the dried Jericho rose in a bowl of cold or warm water - it will develop within a few hours and take on a dark olive-brown color.
Fake Rose of Jericho (Selaginella lepidophylla)
Selaginella lepidophylla, a moss fern from Central America, is sold as the “Rose of Jericho”, especially at medieval markets and in the run-up to Christmas. However, this is not the real Rose of Jericho, but - basically - a plagiarism. Nevertheless, the resurrection effect of this plant, often referred to as the false rose of Jericho, can be easily understood - although it has not actually died, but, as a so-called intermittently moist plant, reacts to extreme drought with complete drying out and survives.
Pallenis hierichuntica
This is a composite plant that also comes from the desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East and responds to irrigation by opening its fruit cluster. Pallenis hierichuntica is also one of the alternately moist plants.
Tip
Whether real or fake: The Rose of Jericho is often given as a gift at Christmas and Easter because of its symbolism. The plant is also said to bring he alth and happiness to the recipient.