In need of resurrection

These resurrection ferns are epiphytes, so they grow on bare rock.  It rained a few days ago, but the ferns are already drying out.  They will wilt and dry until the next rain.  Then they come back to green life.

 

Resurrected

After a good rain, the resurrection ferns are green and thriving.

 

Resurrection

After days of rain, the resurrection ferns were back to normal.

(See here)

 

Resurrected

The resurrection ferns are thriving after a rain.

They are epiphytes, here they are living on rocks.  (here)  In a drought they shrivel up and look dead.  With the rains, they spring back into life.

 

Resurrection

A month ago, the resurrection ferns looked like they were dead.  We have gotten some rain since, and here they are!

Here it was before the rain.

In need of resurrection

The Resurrection fern is an epiphyte, it lives on bare rock, and gets it's moisture from the air and rain.  Unfortunately it hasn't rained in weeks.  The ferns are in dire need of resurrection...

Resurrection fern

The resurrection ferns have done very well in the wet weather.  They're Epiphytes meaning they get their nutrients and water from the air.  (see here) These particular ones are growing on solid rock, so they really depend on the air.

Hidden rocks and Resurrection Ferns

These are the " hidden rocks" of the hidden rocks trail at Annie Louise Wilkerson Nature Preserve.  There is one set of rocks they ask you not to climb on to preserve the Resurrection Ferns.  These ferns are pretty cool, they can lose up to 97% of their water during a drought, and then come back to life when they get wet.  More info here.