The Occurrence of Resurrection Plants in the Australian Flora

A field examination of representatives of the vascular plants of xeric sites and shallow soils in Australia disclosed about 25 species with foliage which can revive after dehydration. Most were grasses, or ferns in the genus Cheilanthes. Only one dicotyledonous species was found. The protoplasmic drought tolerance limits were predominantly in the range of water potentials equivalent to 0-5 % relative humidity at 28°C. Most grass species were too low-growing to have agricultural potential.