Resurrection Plant: Sellaginella Lepidophylla’s Remarkable Desiccation Tolerance
Sellaginella lepidophylla, the “resurrection plant,” is a remarkable species known for its extreme desiccation tolerance. When dehydrated, this plant curls up into a tight ball, losing up to 99% of its water content. However, upon rehydration, it rapidly revives and resumes its previous form and function. This resilience is due to a combination of adaptive strategies, including protection against ROS-induced damage, accumulation of protective molecules, and efficient antioxidant defense systems. Resurrection plants provide valuable insights into drought survival mechanisms and have potential applications in crop improvement and biotechnology.