The rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) - also known as the desert rose or Mary's rose - is an annual desert plant that grows a maximum of ten centimeters high. It is particularly widespread in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. There are numerous myths surrounding the Jericho rose, as the dry-looking plant can apparently always be revived. There is a special reason for this.
Is warm water suitable for the Rose of Jericho?
The Rose of Jericho should not be “revived” with warm or hot water, as this harms the plant and reduces the number of possible “revivals”. Instead, cold water should be used to unfold the leaves more gently.
Why the Rose of Jericho can be “revived”
In its home countries, the rather inconspicuous-looking Rose of Jericho blooms in the months March to April, after which numerous pods with 1.5 millimeter tiny seeds form in them. To protect these seeds from the hot desert sun and thus from drying out, the dying plant curls up - and unfolds again as soon as it rains. However, this is not a real “resurrection”, but rather just a physical process.
Revive dried desert rose
You can do this “revival” at home by placing the well-dried plant in a bowl of cold water. With warm or hot water, the leaves unfold much faster, but you will damage the Jericho rose. As a result, the “revival” cannot be repeated an unlimited number of times (like with cold water), but instead only a few times.
Tip
Do not leave the Rose of Jericho in water for more than a week or it will become moldy. Then dry well again and leave to rest for at least three months.
