The Rose of Jericho belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is the only existing species of the genus Anastatica. In other countries, the Rose of Jericho is also known by the name of Fatima, Rose of the desert, the plant of the resurrection.
The Rose of Jericho is a truly magical plant, so much so that it has many stories between myth, mysticism and legend. Its nature is so extraordinary and unique that many still remain amazed by this plant, which is more than ever a true wonder and a gift of nature.
In spite of the name “rose”, in which you refer to the classic red rose, which represents feelings of love, here, we have something completly different.
The rose of Jericho presents itself with a bulb and dry and curled branches, and forms a sort of tumbleweed of dry, brown colored dried grass.
The real particularity that characterizes the Rose of Jericho is, it can be without water for a long time and be transported to different locations. But as soon as the rose comes in contact with some water, the plant magically opens and returns green and to bloom brightly.
If after a few days it does not remain slightly wet, it will reclose, waiting for you to give it some water. A magical plant and for this reason, has created some legends.
From history, the rose of Jericho would originate from the Holy Land. The crusaders and some pilgrims would have imported it.
Here are some legends concerning it …
The rose of Jericho would have the ability to give pilgrimage people a thirst-quenching water that could comfort them on their journey.
There are magical practices that provide it as an element to realize spells or to improve prosperity.
In Europe the rose of Jericho is attributed the power to attract happiness within the home. For some beliefs it represents a symbol of long life, serenity and for its particular characteristic, symbol of resurrection.
Even the Bible gives a passage to the rose of Jericho, saying that as long as Jesus crucified was alive the plant flourished but, at his death dried up and its new bloom occurred when there was his resurrection earning the plant name of the resurrection.
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