Myrothamnus flabellifolius

Myrothamnus flabellifolius is a plant species in the family Myrothamnaceae native to central and southern Africa. It is also called the resurrection plant for the appearance of dead leaves reviving during rain. (see Poikilohydry)

3,4,5-Tri-O-galloylquinic acid is a tannin found in M. flabellifolius.

Description
Myrothamnus flabellifolius is a small, resinous shoot reaching 200 - 1200 mm in height. It is found in single bundles and in colonies with extensive root systems. 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.

Taxonomy
This plant was first described by Friedrich Welwitschs in 1859.

Environment
Myrothamnus flabellifoliusis is found growing along mountain formations in central and southern Africa. It is typically found growing in altitudes between 500 - 1900 m. 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.

Myrothamnus flabellifoliusis can also be found in shallow, rocky outcrops with soild depths of around 15 cm. 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.

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.

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. 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.