What is selagenlla lepidophylla?

1. Selaginella lepidophylla, commonly known as the resurrection plant, is a species of desert plant in the Selaginellaceae family.

2. This plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert, the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, and parts of Mexico.

3. Selaginella lepidophylla is able to revive itself after being completely dried out for an extended period of time. This ability to resurrect itself from a desiccated state is a survival mechanism that allows it to thrive in arid environments.

4. The plant curls up into a ball when it is dry, appearing dead and brittle. However, when it receives water, it springs back to life and resumes its growth and photosynthesis.

5. Selaginella lepidophylla is often used as an ornamental plant in terrariums and as a curiosity plant due to its unique ability to resurrect itself.

6. In traditional medicine, this plant has been used for its supposed anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.

7. Selaginella lepidophylla is a non-flowering plant, reproducing through spores rather than seeds.

8. This plant is adapted to survive in extreme conditions of drought and high temperatures, making it a hardy and resilient species.