Selaginella lepidophylla
Synonym: Lycopodium lepidophyllum.
Clades: Selaginellaceae.
English: Resurrection plant; Flower of stone; False rose of Jericho; Rose of Jericho; Resurrection moss; Dinosaur plant; Stone flower.
Spanish: Siempre viva; Doradilla.
Region: Chihuahuan Desert.
Content: betaines, trehalose; Amentoflavone, robustaflavone, biapigenin, hinokiflavone, podocarpusflavone A, ginkgetin.
Botany
Moss like plant, sporophyte; has the bility to survive almost complete desiccation, for years, lose up to 95% of its moisture, curling into a tight ball, a tumbleweed; 5 cm tall.
Leaves: become leathery and dark brown or light to reddish brown at the base when dry; green when moistened.
Habitat: desert.
Use: lucky charm; medicinal; voodoo rites and Cuban santería to invoke love and fortune, to absorb negative energy when worn out.