Legend of the Rose of Jericho

The name “rose of Jericho” is associated with resurrection in some Christian traditions. The true rose of Jericho (Anastatica hierochuntica) is an annual flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family, native to arid parts of North Africa and the Middle East. Its dry branches curl inward and unfold when moistened, helping release seeds; this physical movement does not bring dead tissues back to life. A different plant, Selaginella lepidophylla, is also sold under the same common name but responds differently to desiccation. The following account is a religious legend, not a botanical explanation.

Legend of the Rose of Jericho

According to a Christian legend, Joseph and Mary fled with the infant Jesus to escape the persecution ordered by Herod. As the Holy Family crossed the plains of Jericho, Mary stepped down from her donkey and a little flower sprang up at her feet, greeting the child in her arms.

The story says that these flowers continued to bloom during Jesus’ lifetime, but dried up when he died on the cross. Three days later, as the legend relates the Resurrection, the flowers opened again across the plain as a sign of hope. This is religious symbolism, not a claim that dead plant tissues literally return to life.

Have you heard this legend before? Share your thoughts in the comments, or tell us about other stories associated with this unusual plant.

Taken from: Jardinedia