Resurrection Fern

The ferns are often found on the branches of oak trees.

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This fern is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants (usually live oaks or cypress trees). They do not commandeer any water or nutrients from the plants they grown on; instead they absorb them from the surrounding air. In periods of no rain, they conserve water by shriveling up their fronds and turning brown. Resurrection ferns can lose up to 75% of their water content, a feat not many living species can survive. Once sufficient moisture soaks the area, they ‘resurrect’ and unfurl with fronds of vibrant green again. Because it looks like they come back to life each time this happens, they have received the common name of resurrection fern.