St. Nicholas/Volume 32/Number 2/Nature and Science/Come to Life

Seems to “Come to Life.”

On page 750 of Nature and Science for June, 1904, was explained an apparent quick “growth” of a Spanish onion, due to internal pressure. On page 1036 of Nature and Science for September, 1904, was an observation of movements of dead branches due to varying temperature and moisture.

These remind one of the interesting opening and shutting of the skeleton portions of a plant found in the deserts of Egypt and Palestine. After the death of this plant the softer parts disappear, leaving a hard framework. These dead branches, somewhat resembling the leaves of some evergreen trees, curve inward in the dry season, protecting the still living seeds in the center. The whole plant has but slight attachment to the sandy soil, and is often torn up by the wind and rolled away. In the wet seasons the branches absorb the moisture to a large extent, unfold, resume the direction they had in life, and thus let the
“The dead branches curve inward.” seeds out at a time when the sand is wet and the seeds will grow most readily. This motion is not a matter of the growth of life, but is purely mechanical. The plant is frequent carried off by visitors, and is sold by venders and at certain stores as a curiosity. If it is immersed in water, the opening of the branches gives one the impression that it has “come to life,” hence the popular name of “Resurrection Flower of Jericho,” “Rose of Jericho,” and other names.

“The branches opening after the plant has been immersed in water.” The fact that the dead branches hold the living seeds in dry weather, and open to let them out in wet, is truly wonderful. But some dealers are not content with the actual facts. One circular pictures the plant “before wetting” as small and bud-shaped. “After wetting” it is pictured as filling a dinner-plate with luxuriant foliage, and stems extending upward, bearing clusters of beautiful blossoms!

This dealer also states falsely that vermin and mosquitos will not stay where the plant is.