Resurrection Fern
The Resurrection Fern is properly named because it literally comes back from the brink of death. This fern can survive long periods of heavy drought by curling up and appearing dead. When just a tiny bit of water is present it will uncurl and reopen again.
NOTE: The Resurrection Fern was even taken on a space shuttle mission so the resurrection process could be observed in space under zero gravity.
This fern is an air plant (epiphyte). It attaches itself to other plants and trees to get its nutrients from the air and water that collect on the outer plant surface or tree bark. It is commonly found living in the branches of live oaks, cypress, & pecan trees and lives along side Spanish Moss.
Note: Other well known air plants (epiphytes) include:
If desired, Resurrection Fern may be introduced to trees and dry, rocky settings. Rhizomes are the stem-like part of the plant that lies against the tree and from which the leaves arise. Gather about six inches of the rhizomes and place them securely into bark ridges of the new host tree or position. Interesting Facts: Resurrection Fern experiments have shown that they can lose almost all their free water and remain alive - up to 97%, though more typically they only lose around 76% in dry spells.
Most other plants would die after losing only 8-12%. The resurrection fern can lose almost all the water not hydrating the cells in its leaves and survive. |
