The true Rose of Jericho, scientifically known as Anastatic hierochuntica, is a desert plant native to the Middle East near the Dead Sea in Israel. It has a long history and has been used for different purposes in different cultures throughout the ages.
The origin of the plant is in the deserts of the Middle East, especially in the area surrounding the Dead Sea, where it can still be found growing today. The plant is well adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, where there is little water and extreme temperatures.
The true rose of Jericho is also known by a variety of other names in different parts of the world. In Arabic it is called Kafe Miriam which means “hand of Mary”. This name is derived from the Christian tradition that the plant was held by the Virgin Mary during her flight to Egypt. The plant is also called the resurrection plant, due to its ability to return to life after complete dehydration.
In Morocco, the plant is known as Selja, and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive and respiratory problems. In Egypt, the plant is called El Quds or “the Holy One”, and is used in religious ceremonies as a symbol of revival and renewal.
The true rose of Jericho has also been used in other cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece, it was called slago and was believed to have healing properties. He also served as a guide to the goddess Demeter. In medieval Europe, the plant was used in magic and alchemy, and was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.
Today, the plant is popular in various parts of the world as a decorative item and is often sold in markets and online stores. It is also used in flower arrangements and as a unique gift item. The plant is often shown in its dry, curled state, which can be revived by placing it in water.
In terms of its physical characteristics, the true rose of Jericho is a small, bushy plant with gray-green leaves covered with tiny hairs. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by spherical fruits. The plant is well adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, as it can curl up into a ball and go dormant during periods of extreme drought.
The real rose of Jericho is a fascinating plant with a long history and a variety of cultural and religious associations. It is well adapted to survive in harsh desert environments and has been used for different purposes in different cultures throughout history. Today the plant is popular as a decorative item and as a unique gift, and it continues to be an important symbol of revival and renewal in many parts of the world.
Below are the common names of the true Jericho rose around the world
Berber: Tamkelt
English: Flower of Maryam, St. Mary’s flower, resurrection plant, true rose of Jericho (not to be confused with false rose of Jericho, Selaginella lepidophylla), tumbling mustard, resurrection mustard.
French: Main de Fatma, rose de Jericho.
Malay: Sanggul Fatimah, buah zuriat.
Persian: Gole Maryum, پنجه مریم , Panjeh Maryam.
Turkish: Fatima’nin eli, Meryem bitkisi.
Urdu: Maryam booti, Maryam ka phool, Nabi booti.
Arabic: Keff Maryam (كف مريم), shajarat Maryam (شجرة مريم), shajarat el-talk, keff lala Maryam, keff lala Fatma, yid Fatma, keff el-adhra, bint Ennabi, el-kemcha, kerchoud.