Jericho Plant Roots and Stems:
an In-depth Look

The Jericho plant, also known as the resurrection plant or Selaginella lepidophylla, is a remarkable plant that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and southwestern United States. What makes this plant truly fascinating is its ability to survive extreme drought conditions by completely drying up and then coming back to life when exposed to water again. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the roots and stems of the Jericho plant and explore how they contribute to its survival.

The Resurrection Ability

Before delving into the details of the roots and stems, it is important to understand the resurrection ability of the Jericho plant. When the plant experiences drought, it curls up its leaves and undergoes desiccation, essentially drying up and appearing dead. This enables it to conserve water and protect itself from the harsh conditions of its arid environment. However, once it receives water again, it miraculously revives and resumes its normal growth within hours.

Root System

The roots of the Jericho plant play a crucial role in its survival strategy. Like many desert plants, the roots are well adapted to extract water from deep in the soil. They possess a long taproot that can penetrate deep into the ground in search of water sources. This allows the plant to access water that is not readily available to other shallow-rooted plants.

Moreover, the roots of the Jericho plant have another unique characteristic – they have the ability to absorb moisture directly from the surrounding air. This is especially beneficial during periods of low rainfall or high humidity. The roots are equipped with small scale-like structures called root hairs that are capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, allowing the plant to supplement its water intake even when there is no rainfall.

Stem Structure

The stems of the Jericho plant also contribute significantly to its survival. The stems are succulent and store water, enabling the plant to endure long periods of drought. When the plant is fully hydrated, the stems are green and plump. However, as the plant dries up, the stems become dehydrated and shrink in size.

One remarkable feature of the Jericho plant’s stems is their ability to rehydrate quickly when water is available again. This rapid rehydration is made possible by specialized cells within the stem called hydrenchyma cells. These cells can absorb water rapidly and expand, causing the stems to regain their original shape and size within a short period. This unique adaptation allows the Jericho plant to spring back to life after being completely desiccated.

Adaptations for Water Conservation

The roots and stems of the Jericho plant have evolved a range of adaptations to conserve water and survive in arid conditions. In addition to their ability to extract water from deep in the soil and absorb moisture from the air, the plant has developed several mechanisms to reduce water loss.

The leaves of the Jericho plant are covered in a thick layer of wax-like substance called cuticle, which helps to prevent water loss through evaporation. Additionally, the leaves are small and curled up when the plant is dried out, further reducing surface area and minimizing water loss.

Furthermore, the stomata, which are tiny openings on the surface of leaves through which gases are exchanged, are sunken into small pits on the leaf surface. This arrangement creates a microclimate that reduces water loss by minimizing direct exposure of stomata to dry air.

Conclusion

The Jericho plant’s ability to resurrect after being completely dried up is truly remarkable. Its roots and stems play vital roles in its survival strategy, allowing it to extract water from deep in the soil, absorb moisture from the air, and store water for prolonged periods of drought. The adaptations exhibited by this plant serve as a testament to the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of nature. Studying plants like the Jericho plant can provide valuable insights into how organisms adapt to extreme environments and inspire us to appreciate the remarkable diversity of life on our planet.