Rose of Jericho

According to many scholars the flower known as “Rose of Jericho” is interchangeably the same flower that grows in the desert area of the Middle East and known as “Maryam’s Flower. This flower has various religious significance. As it’s referred to as the “leaf of Maryam” (mother of Jesus), the “hand of Fatima” (daughter of the Prophet (SAW) as well as “resurrection plant.' It is refered in the Bible in II Kings 19:34-36 and in Psalms 83:13.  The reason Rose of Jericho are called resurrection plant because this small gray plant curls its branches inward by forming a ball like shape in the dry atmosphere and opens up when soaked in water. It can survive for many years if stored nice and dry after each soaking.  During pregnancy women may like to keep this flower close to them since it is believed that the flower helped mother Mary/ Maryam ( (May Allah be pleased with her) during her delivery to ease her labor pain.  In Hispanic culture, this flower is well recognized for its healing ability.