Selaginella lepidophylla

Cladus: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Subdivisio: Lycopodiophyta
Classis: Lycopodiopsida
Ordo: Selaginellales
Familia: Selaginellaceae
Genus: Selaginella
Species: Selaginella lepidophylla

Name

Selaginella lepidophylla, (Hook. & Grev.) Spring

References

USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database, 6 March 2006 (http://plants.usda.gov). Data compiled from various sources by Mark W. Skinner. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Vernacular names
English: Flower of Stone

Selaginella lepidophylla (syn. Lycopodium lepidophyllum) is a species of desert plant in the spikemoss family (Selaginellaceae). S. lepidophylla is noted for its ability to survive almost complete desiccation; during dry weather in its native habitat, its stems curl into a tight ball and uncurl when exposed to moisture.[1] It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

Common names for this plant include false rose of Jericho, rose of Jericho, resurrection plant, resurrection moss, dinosaur plant, siempre viva, stone flower, and doradilla.

Selaginella lepidophylla is easily confused with Anastatica: both species are resurrection plants and form tumbleweeds, and they share the common name "rose of Jericho".

This plant is sold as a novelty item as a bare root in its dry state. It can be revived with only a little water. After wetting, the plant turns green, hence the name "resurrection plant".[2] This use was common in the United States as early when the Spanish Friars entered the New World, including the area that was to become the United States. They used the plant to demonstrate to the Natives the concept of being reborn.

This plant has been used as an herbal medicine. An infusion (tea) is made by steeping a tablespoon of dried material in hot water and the tea used as an antimicrobial in cases of colds and sore throat. Common names for this in Spanish include doradilla and flor de piedra. [3]

External links

Selaginella lepidophylla www.eFloras.org

References

^ Lebkuecher, J. and W. Eckmeier (June 1993,). "Physiological Benefits of Stem Curling for Resurrection Plants in the Field". Ecology 74 (4): 1073–1080. doi:10.2307/1940477.
^ William Francis Ganong (1921). A Textbook of Botany for Colleges. MacMillan Co.. pp. 604. ISBN 1153175746. page 505-506
^ Curtin, L.S.M. and M. Moore. 1997. Healing Herbs of the Upper Rio Grande. Western Edge Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Schenck, George. 1997. Moss Gardening. Portland: Timber Press
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