Myrothamnus_flabellifolius
Myrothamnus flabellifolius
Species of plant of Southern Africa
Myrothamnus flabellifolius is a plant species in the family Myrothamnaceae native to central and southern Africa.[1] It is also called the resurrection plant for the appearance of dead leaves reviving during rain. (see Poikilohydry)
| Myrothamnus flabellifolius | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Gunnerales |
| Family: | Myrothamnaceae |
| Genus: | Myrothamnus |
| Species: | M. flabellifolius |
| Binomial name | |
| Myrothamnus flabellifolius Welw. Ann. Cons. Ultramar. (Portugal), Parte Não Off. ser. 1, 55:578. 1859 ("1858") (Apont.) | |
3,4,5-Tri-O-galloylquinic acid is a tannin found in M. flabellifolius.[2]
Myrothamnus flabellifolius is a small, resinous shoot reaching 200–1,200 mm (8–47 in) in height. It is found in single bundles and in colonies with extensive root systems.[3] During the winter, plants are known to lose all of their leaves and remain bare until the first rainfall.
Plants in their hydrated state have a notable size difference when compared with dehydrated plants. The plant is able to fold its leaves and stems to reduce its level of light absorption. Thylakoid membranes are stacked on top of each other to reduce photo-oxidative stress. While mesophyll cells fold their cell wall in response to desiccation, sclerenchyma and vascular cells do not fold, providing support for the plant. When water is reintroduced, it is absorbed through the roots, as the folded leaves are unable to absorb any water. Water transport is aided by lipids in the xylem, which prevent cavitation and support rehydration.[4]
This plant was first described by Friedrich Welwitschs in 1859.[3]
Myrothamnus flabellifoliusis is found growing along mountain formations in central and southern Africa.[4] It is typically found growing in altitudes between 500–1,900 m (1,640–6,234 ft).[3] The plant grows in regions characterized by high light intensity and extreme temperature changes between night and day. It lives in regions with dry winters and rainy summers, though the lengths of these periods varies drastically between regions.[4]
Myrothamnus flabellifoliusis can also be found in shallow, rocky outcrops with soild depths of around 15 cm (5.9 in). The roots of the plant expand to intercept water found in the hollow spaces between the rock. Erosion debris is typically found surrounding its root system.[4]
Cultural Uses
Because of its ability to produce flowers after months of dormancy, Myrothamnus flabellifolius has been called the resurrection plant. It is a symbol of hope in some African cultures, where its leaves and stems are commonly used to make tea, spices, and lotions.[3]
Medical Uses
M. flabellifolius is used by traditional village medicine men in Africa to treat coughs, influenza, mastitis, backaches, kidney disorders, hemorrhoids, and abdominal pains.[3] When smoked, it has been shown to alleviate chest pains and symptoms of depression. Chewing the leaves is used to help with halitosis and gingivitis.
- Westall, K. L.; Moore, J. P.; Ravenscroft, N.; Farrant, J. M.; Lindsey, G. G.; Brandt, W. F. (2005). "The predominant polyphenol in the leaves of the resurrection plant Myrothamnus flabellifolius, 3,4,5 tri-O-galloylquinic acid, protects membranes against desiccation and free radical-induced oxidation". Biochemical Journal. 385 (Pt 1): 301–308. doi:10.1042/BJ20040499. PMC 1134698. PMID 15355309.
- "Myrothamnus flabellifolius". www.plantzafrica.com. Retrieved 2016-12-06.
- Moore, John P.; Lindsey, George G.; Farrant, Jill M.; Brandt, Wolf F. (2016-12-06). "An Overview of the Biology of the Desiccation-tolerant Resurrection Plant Myrothamnus flabellifolia". Annals of Botany. 99 (2): 211–217. doi:10.1093/aob/mcl269. ISSN 0305-7364. PMC 2803006. PMID 17218343.
- Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). "Myrothamnus flabellifolius". African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.