Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) before (left) and one day after watering. This plant, also known as rose of Jericho, is known for its ability to return from a seemingly dead and dried state on the arrival of water. The plant is native to the hot deserts of southern North America. It grows rapidly after the rare rains, but when it is dry the plant dehydrates, curling into a tight ball to reduce water loss from evaporation. It can remain in this state for years, during which time its metabolism nearly stops. The resurrection plant is a lycopod, a type of moss that first appeared on Earth over 400 million years ago.