Resurrection Plant

The Resurrection Plant can be found from Texas to Arizona, and as far south as El Salvador. Growing from rock outcroppings or in dry soil, it's close neighbors are mostly cacti and other arid-loving species. When the soil becomes moist after the rain, the plant absorbs water and grows rapidly. As the soil dries, it cannot store water like a succulent, so it folds up it's stems into a tight ball, dries up, and goes into a state of dormancy. The folded plant has a limited surface area and conserves what little moisture is present. All metabolic functions are reduced to a bare minimum and the plant appears to be dead. It can remain in the dormant condition for years. When the rains return, the plant's cells absorb water and become hydrated. The stems unfold, metabolism increases, and growth resumes. Even dead Resurrection Plants will unfold if given water! The Resurrection Plant's ability to "return from the dead" certainly justifies it's name. Picture #1 and 2: right away Picture #3: after 45 minutes Picture #4: 1 and 1/2 hours Picture #5: 3 hours Picture #6: 11 hours Picture #7: 22 and 1/2 hours Picture #8: 24 hours