Jericho-rose

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Jericho-rose
• rose-of-Jericho
• true rose of Jericho

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Myagrum hierochunticum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales, specifically within the family Brassicaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Anastatica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Anastatica hierochuntica, is primarily found across the arid landscapes of Northern Africa. Its distribution is notably widespread, stretching through the vast territories of Algeria and Egypt. In addition to these regions, the species can be found growing in the natural habitats of Libya. The plant's presence also extends to the western reaches of the continent, specifically within Morocco. Finally, its geographical range encompasses the northern coastal areas of Tunisia, making it a key feature of the local desert flora.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Anastatica hierochuntica is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning it completes its entire developmental process from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a desert-adapted species, its survival is intricately tied to ephemeral moisture availability in arid environments. The cycle begins when seasonal rains trigger seed germination in the sandy soil, leading to a rapid vegetative growth phase. During this period, the plant develops its structural components to take advantage of the brief window of hydration. As the plant matures, it transitions into its reproductive stage, producing flowers that facilitate pollination. Following successful fertilization, the plant focuses its energy on seed development. A unique aspect of its life history occurs during the senescence phase; as the plant dies and dries out, the entire structure undergoes a physiological transformation into a "resurrection" form, where the dried woody remains curl inward to protect the seeds. This protective mechanism ensures that the seeds are shielded from extreme heat and desiccation until the next significant rainfall triggers the next generation, effectively resetting the annual cycle.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Anastatica hierochuntica is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, functioning as an independent organism that does not rely on parasitic or epiphytic lifestyles, maintaining a terrestrial existence. The plant features a non-woody structure with an ascending shoot orientation, and it is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. The shoots exhibit a measurable length, typically ranging from a minimum of 3 cm to a maximum of 20 cm.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Shoot length max:

20 cm

Shoot length min:

3 cm

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of Anastatica hierochuntica is characterized by specialized vegetative adaptations that facilitate survival in arid environments, particularly through its distinct foliage morphology. The leaves exhibit an obovate form, a shape that optimizes surface area and light interception while managing transpiration rates. These leaves reach a maximum length of 3.5 cm and a maximum width of 1.5 cm, dimensions that contribute to the plant's ability to maintain metabolic functions under intense solar radiation. This specific leaf architecture, combined with its compact growth habit, allows the plant to regulate moisture retention and gas exchange effectively within its ecological niche.

Leaf form :

obovate

Leaf length max:

3.5 cm

Leaf width max:

1.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anastatica hierochuntica is characterized by a specific phenological window and specialized morphological traits. The flowering period typically begins in February and concludes in April, though the timing can be variable. The plant produces fruits that are relatively small, measuring between 0.5 cm and 0.6 cm in length and ranging from 0.3 cm to 0.4 cm in width. These fruits are indehiscent, meaning they do not split open at maturity to release their contents. The seeds contained within are extremely lightweight, with a consistent mean, minimum, and maximum mass of 0.0012 g. Regarding the movement of progeny, the species utilizes a hydrochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on water for the distribution of its seeds.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Flowering time :

Feb

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit length max:

0.6 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Fruit width max:

0.4 cm

Fruit width min:

0.3 cm

Seed mass mean:

0.0012 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anastatica hierochuntica has 4 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, leaf, root, stem.

Fruit

1. Scientific reports
2. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Leaf

1. Scientific reports

Root

1. Scientific reports

Stem

1. Scientific reports

Chemicals

Anastatica hierochuntica has 36 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, quercetin, ANASTATIN A, ANASTATIN B, BETA-SITOSTEROL.

Flavonoids

1. Dr. Duke
2. Nutrients
3. Scientific reports

quercetin

1. Dr. Duke
2. RSC advances

ANASTATIN A

1. RSC advances

ANASTATIN B

1. RSC advances

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Dr. Duke

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Scientific reports

Flavonoid

1. Scientific reports

Glucoiberin

1. Dr. Duke

Kaempferol 7-glucoside

1. Dr. Duke

Lignans

1. Scientific reports

Activities

Anastatica hierochuntica has 288 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, 11B-HSD-Inhibitor, 5-HT-Inhibitor, 5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor, ATPase-Inhibitor.

Hepatoprotective

1. Dr. Duke
2. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

11B-HSD-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-HT-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-Lipoxygenase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ATPase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Acetylcholinergic

1. Dr. Duke

Aggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldehyde-Oxidase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allelochemic

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Anastatica hierochuntica has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include SARS-CoV-2, infection, oxidative stress.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations