Anastatica hierochuntica — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Anastatica hierochuntica

Anastatica Hierochuntica

Updated · 70 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Anastatica hierochuntica, commonly known as the Rose of Jericho or the Resurrection Plant, is a small desert plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. Native to the arid regions of North Africa and Southwest Asia, it is renowned for its remarkable ability to endure extreme drought conditions. This plant possesses a unique adaptation mechanism that enables it to thrive in harsh environments. During dry periods, it curls up into a ball-like shape, appearing lifeless. However, upon the return of moisture, it unfurls its leaves and resumes growth. The Rose of Jericho has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, stomach aches, and respiratory problems. Additionally, its association with resurrection has led to its use in religious ceremonies by some cultures. In recent years, there has been growing interest in Anastatica hierochuntica due to its potential as an eco-friendly alternative for water storage systems or irrigation methods in arid regions facing water scarcity. Overall, Anastatica hierochuntica is an intriguing plant with unique survival mechanisms that have fascinated people throughout history. Its potential uses make it an important species worthy of further study from both ecological and medicinal perspectives.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Anastatica
Family
Brassicaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
5 cm to 10 cm
Mature Spread
5 cm to 15 cm
Leaf Color
Gray, Light Gray
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.20 cm to 0.25 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Native Area
Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Oman, Mauritania, Pakistan, Iran, Algeria, Kuwait, Morocco, Yemen, Qatar
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Rose-of-Jericho en Jericho-rose en Rose of Jericho en Dinosaur Plant en Mary's Flower en Mary's Hand en Palestinian Tumbleweed en Resurrection Plant en True Rose of Jericho en Wheel en Mary’s flower en St-Mary’s flower en St. Mary's flower
PLATES
Anastatica hierochuntica leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Anastatica hierochuntica leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Anastatica hierochuntica flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Anastatica hierochuntica flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Anastatica hierochuntica fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Anastatica hierochuntica fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit