Myrothamnales

Myrothamnales is a small order of flowering plants. It contains only one family, Myrothamnaceae, and a single genus, Myrothamnus. The genus Myrothamnus has two species, Myrothamnus flabellifolia and Myrothamnus moschatus. These species are native to southern Africa and Madagascar, respectively. Myrothamnus flabellifolia is commonly known as the resurrection plant due to its remarkable ability to survive extreme desiccation and rehydrate when water becomes available.

Plants in the order Myrothamnales are woody shrubs. They are characterized by their fan-shaped leaves and their ability to withstand arid conditions. The leaves are leathery and often appear rolled or curled in dry environments. During periods of drought, the plants can lose up to 95% of their water content, appearing dried and brittle. However, upon rehydration, they rapidly regain their turgor and resume physiological activity, a trait that has garnered significant scientific interest.

The phylogenetic placement of Myrothamnales has been a subject of research. Molecular data has placed this order within the Gunnerales, a broader order of angiosperms. This placement highlights evolutionary relationships between seemingly disparate plant groups. The unique adaptations of Myrothamnus, particularly its desiccation tolerance, make it a valuable model organism for studying plant survival mechanisms in stressful environments.