The Rose of Jericho is often called a “resurrection plant” due to its ability to recover from extreme dehydration. This remarkable feat involves a dry, seemingly lifeless ball of plant material unfurling into a vibrant form, often within hours. The rehydration process is a sensory event that prompts many to wonder about the aroma accompanying this botanical rebirth. Understanding the scent requires looking closely at the biology of the plant as it transitions from a dormant state back to active life.
The Two Plants Known as Rose of Jericho
The common name “Rose of Jericho” refers to two distinct species, which explains the differences in their scent and biology. The true Rose of Jericho is Anastatica hierochuntica, a small desert annual from the Middle East and North Africa. This plant is not a true resurrection plant because its tissues die upon desiccation. Its rehydration is merely a hygroscopic, physical expansion of its woody skeleton.
The plant most commonly sold is Selaginella lepidophylla, also known as the false Rose of Jericho. This species is a lycophyte, or spikemoss, native to the Chihuahuan Desert of North America. It is a true resurrection plant capable of surviving for years in a dormant state and resuming metabolic activity when watered.
What the Rose of Jericho Actually Smells Like
The aroma released during rehydration is generally subtle and is not sweet or floral, despite the plant’s name. The smell is often described as earthy, musky, or reminiscent of damp soil. This primary sensory experience is similar to petrichor, the smell that occurs when rain hits dry earth.
The scent from Selaginella lepidophylla is typically milder and more “mossy,” reflecting its nature as a true resurrection plant. Conversely, Anastatica hierochuntica, which is dead, woody matter, can release a stronger, mustier aroma consistent with rehydrating old vegetation. If a foul or sour odor is present, such as a pungent, fishy, or ammonia-like smell, it indicates the plant has rotted or died, often from being left in water too long.
The Science Behind the Scent Release
The musky, earthy scent upon rehydration is a direct byproduct of the plant’s biological processes resuming after dormancy. This aroma is caused by the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) trapped within the plant’s tissues while dried. When the plant is desiccated, its metabolic activity is nearly shut down, and protective compounds, such as the sugar trehalose, stabilize the cellular structures.
As water is introduced, the plant’s cells rapidly re-inflate, and its metabolic machinery begins to restart. This activation releases the accumulated VOCs into the surrounding air. These VOCs are secondary metabolites that easily convert into gas at room temperature. They can include various flavonoids, terpenoids, and fatty acid derivatives, which are often the source of earthy or green odors. The transient nature of the scent reflects the initial burst of metabolic activity, as the VOCs are released quickly before the plant settles into normal, hydrated function.