Thursday, April 2, 2009

Rose of Jericho






I was presented with this unique plant by my Reiki teacher when i left Pune...Its called the Resurrection plant or the Rose of Jericho.It is believed to have the ability to absorb negativity.

A german lady she healed of cancer gave her these unique little plants..they look like dry thorny balls all shrivelled up but once you put them in water lo and behold they start turning green and grow and take the shape of the vessel you put them in. This is like a miracle indeed.

After the rainy season, the Rose of Jericho dies and dries up, curling its stems into a tight ball. This protects the seeds and prevents them from being dispersed prematurely. When wetted, the branches spread out. If rain allows, the dispersed seeds germinate. The process of curling up and opening is completely reversible and can be repeated many times...................... Here I have taken photos showing the process where this dry ball when placed in water revives.and takes the shape of the bowl its placed in...and becomes green....over a 2-3 day period.green colour is regained..If left without water it again dries and curls back and can be revived later by placing in water..

I was told they grow in Israel and Texas..and are passed from generation to generation in families and given as presents during Christmas.

Exactly 2 years after I got my plant I chanced upon the same plant being sold by roadside vendors in Mahabalashwar a quaint little hillstation near Mumbai...Apparently its called the Sanjeevani meaning "One that infuses life" and is found at high altitudes in the hills. According to the epic Ramayana this plant was used to revive Lakshmana who was wounded.
I am not sure this is the original Sanjeevani but it can miraculously restore itself. Life is amazing and this plant is too.