06/20/2023
Who doesn't love a "comeback story"?
We see ourselves in the stories...our resolve, our grit, our hope.
A true comeback story is this remarkable Resurrection Fern that hides in plain sight on the majestic live oaks, rocks, fallen logs and fences. It is an epiphytic fern which grows on top of other plants or structures and reproduces by spores, not seeds.
This fern can lose 75% of its water content during a typical dry period and up to 97% during a drought. During this period it will shrivel to a grayish clump, appearing dead. Don't count this little one out just yet. When it is exposed to water, it will come back to life and look green and healthy. This plant gets its name from this supposed "resurrection".
This fern favors live oaks and, really, who doesn't? Spanish moss and the resurrection fern are perfect guests we see in oaks taking no nutrients from the mighty tree. It would seem the oak is quite proud to have such beauties adorn them, but we can only guess.
Down and out? No way. This guy has a story to tell. It partnered with the most majestic of trees and shares in its glory. It just needs a little push from time to time. We would say that is a perfect comeback.
