resurrection plant

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resurrection plant

A resurrection plant unfurls its fronds after a gentle rain.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small desert plant known for surviving extreme dehydration: A common name for several species of plants, primarily in the genera Selaginella or Anastatica, that can survive almost complete desiccation. When deprived of water, they curl into a tight, dry ball and appear dead. Upon contact with moisture, they unfurl and return to a green, living state. 2. A specific clubmoss or desert annual: This name can refer to: * Selaginella lepidophylla, a fern ally native to the Chihuahuan Desert, known for its ability to revive after years of dryness. * Anastatica hierochuntica (the Rose of Jericho), a small annual plant from arid regions in Asia and North Africa that exhibits similar drying and curling behavior.

Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The resurrection plant is a remarkable example of a desiccation-tolerant organism.
    • After a light rain, the seemingly dead resurrection plant on the windowsill began to turn green and open up.
    • Botanists study the resurrection plant to understand how it protects its cells during extreme drought.
Advanced Usage
  • "A botanical resurrection": A metaphorical phrase inspired by the plant, used to describe something that is revived or returns after being considered dead or finished.
    • The rediscovery of the ancient manuscript was a botanical resurrection for the field of historical linguistics.
Variants and Related Words
  • Rose of Jericho (n): A common name for , one type of resurrection plant.
  • Selaginella lepidophylla (n): The scientific name for a specific, well-known resurrection plant species, often sold as a novelty.
  • Desiccation-tolerant plant (n): The technical term for plants that can survive the loss of most of their cellular water.
Synonyms
  • Drought-resurrecting plant: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its revival after drought.
  • Revival plant: A simpler, more general synonym.
Related Phrases
  • To pull a resurrection plant: An informal, figurative phrase meaning to make a surprising recovery or comeback.
    • After being down by 20 points, the team pulled a resurrection plant and won the game.
Related Idioms
  • To have nine lives like a resurrection plant: An idiom comparing something's persistent ability to recover from near-failure to the plant's revival capability. (A less common variant of "to have nine lives like a cat").
    • That old car has nine lives like a resurrection plant; no matter what breaks, he gets it running again.
resurrection plant

A resurrection plant unfurls its fronds after a gentle rain.

Noun
  1. small grey Asiatic desert plant bearing minute white flowers that rolls up when dry and expands when moist
  2. densely tufted fern ally of southwestern United States to Peru; curls up in a tight ball when dry and expands and grows under moist conditions

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