Fauna
Plant

Resurrection Selaginella

Selaginella bryopteris

Also known as Sanjeevani, Sanjivani, Indian Resurrection Plant

Resurrection Selaginella is a remarkable lithophytic spikemoss endemic to tropical mountains of India, renowned for its extreme desiccation tolerance. During dry spells, its fronds curl tightly inward into a compact brownish ball, surviving near-total loss of water content for extended periods. Upon exposure to moisture, the curled fronds unfurl within hours into a vibrant emerald green rosette.

LycopodiophyteDesiccation TolerantLithophyte
Resurrection Selaginella reference1 / 6
(c) Swarochi Tathagath, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Insect Larvae
  • Herbivorous Insects
ThreatsOver-collection for medicinal trade and local harvesting
HabitatsRocky hillsides, moist rock crevices, subtropical mountain slopes
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. FamilySelaginellaceae
  2. SpeciesSelaginella bryopteris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognized by fern-like fronds that curl into dry brown balls when dehydrated.
Support conservation
Observe and photograph in place without peeling plants away from their rocky substrate.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for dried, ball-like rosettes clinging to rocky faces during dry seasons.
  • Conservation Etiquette: Keep wild plants attached to their native rocks to protect wild stocks.
Related species
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