Definition

Noun: 1. A type of fern: A specific species of fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides, formerly Polypodium polypodioides) known for its remarkable ability to survive extreme dehydration. It appears dead and brown during dry periods but quickly revives and turns green when exposed to moisture. * Characteristic: Its fronds (leaves) are typically greyish and have a scurfy (scaly or powdery) underside. * Habitat: It commonly grows on the surfaces of rocks or the trunks and branches of trees (epiphytic or epipetric). * Distribution: Native to the Americas and South Africa.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The resurrection fern on the old oak tree looked completely brown and lifeless after weeks of drought.
  • After the rain, the resurrection fern miraculously turned green, living up to its name.
  • Botanists study the resurrection fern to understand plant desiccation tolerance.

Advanced Usage

• As a metaphor for revival: The term "resurrection fern" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe something or someone that makes a surprising recovery after appearing to be finished or dead.
  • The old theater, like a resurrection fern, came back to life with the community's support.

Variants and Related Words

• Resurrection plant: A broader common name for various plant species, including the resurrection fern, that can survive near-complete dehydration.
• Pleopeltis polypodioides: The current scientific name for the resurrection fern.
• Polypodium polypodioides: A former scientific name for the same fern.

Synonyms

• Gray polypody: Another common name referencing the color and plant group.
• Little gray polypody: A descriptive synonym.

Related Concepts

• Desiccation tolerance: The physiological ability to withstand extreme drying, which is the defining trait of the resurrection fern.
• Epiphyte: A plant that grows on another plant for physical support but is not parasitic; the resurrection fern is often epiphytic.
• Poikilohydry: The condition of having water content that fluctuates with the environment, characteristic of this fern.

Noun

1. fern growing on rocks or tree trunks and having fronds greyish and scurfy below; Americas and South Africa