Rose of Jericho l Remarkable Strength

Rose of Jericho, Anastatica hierochuntica — Source: http://bit.ly/2SMmAwl Photographer: Ji-Elle CC License: http://bit.ly/2REt4fw

Rose of Jericho Facts

First of all, the attention-grabbing name of Rose of Jericho serves as the much more pronounceable term for an incredible plant. That’s because it’s the common name for the rather fascinating Anastatica hierochuntica.
Secondly, this remarkable plant also remains renowned among researchers for one particular reason. This fascinating species holds this status due to its truly astonishing resistance to desiccation.
In addition, the plant remains considered by many experts in the field to represent an extremely hardy form of a surprising type of plant. This bewildering species technically represents a type of tumbleweed.
Furthermore, in ancient times, it had a very specific and highly beneficial usage. During that era, a wise man or shaman actually often used this plant as a means of predicting if rain was imminent.
But, for the moment, the IUCN does not yet have a classification for this rather interesting species. This holds true due to the fact that, for the moment, at least, its numbers appear to be relatively stable.

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Rose of Jericho Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, although remarkable, and visually rather distinctive, the Rose of Jericho nevertheless remains a small species of plant. But, what the plant lacks in terms of size, it easily makes up for in distinctiveness.

Nevertheless, even truly exceptional individual specimens rarely achieve a height of more than 6 in (15 cm). Moreover, most individual plants actually attain a somewhat smaller overall size than that, usually about 4 in 10 cm).

Additionally, it also, and once again, surprisingly, represents a type of annual herb. In appearance, this marvelous work of Nature most commonly displays a light gray in color, and produces small white flowers.

But, while quite small, the seeds of this highly adapted plant remain far from fragile. In fact, these remain extremely hardy and well protected by the surrounding leaves, thereby serving to ensure continuance of the species.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Anastatica
Species: A. hierochuntica

Rose of Jericho Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the rather incredible Rose of Jericho evolved its sincerely astonishing hardiness and regenerative abilities for a specific reason. This is completely understandable, because of the severity of its native climate.

Secondly, it also evolved as endemic to the extremely arid regions of Asia. It most commonly occurs in the countries of the Middle East and the Sahara. To date, it remains unknown if it ever appeared anywhere else.

Even more specifically, this highly evolved species only inhabits the various desert regions of eight modern countries. These locations consist solely of Egypt, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan.

The amazing Rose of Jericho also dries up virtually completely after the end of the local rainy season. At that time, the leaves of each individual plant contract tightly, thereby protecting the precious seeds.

Finally, it can also actually lie dormant for months or even years, presenting a highly convincing appearance of death. Yet, when the rain finally comes, it opens quickly, to receive the life-giving water.