Resurrection fern following the rain on a Live Oak tree
Closeup of resurrection fern on low branch of a Live Oak tree in Vero Beach. Much more colorful than usual due to recent heavy rainfall. Gives the trees a shaggy look especially when accompanied by Spanish Moss (latter absent in this image).
Where Does It Get Its Name? Rain is key to the plant's common name. P. polypodioides is called "resurrection fern" because, in dry weather, the fern's fronds curl up, turn brown, and seem to be dead—that is, until the next rain, when they turn green and spring back to life. (Wiki attribution)
Resurrection fern following the rain on a Live Oak tree
Closeup of resurrection fern on low branch of a Live Oak tree in Vero Beach. Much more colorful than usual due to recent heavy rainfall. Gives the trees a shaggy look especially when accompanied by Spanish Moss (latter absent in this image).
Where Does It Get Its Name? Rain is key to the plant's common name. P. polypodioides is called "resurrection fern" because, in dry weather, the fern's fronds curl up, turn brown, and seem to be dead—that is, until the next rain, when they turn green and spring back to life. (Wiki attribution)