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craterostigma
Scientific Name: Craterostigma
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Craterostigma plantagineum: The Resurrection Plant
Craterostigma plantagineum, commonly referred to as the blue gem, is a fascinating example of a "resurrection plant" due to its remarkable ability to tolerate extreme dehydration.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Craterostigma plantagineum Hochst.
- Common Name: Blue gem
- Family: Linderniaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
- Synonyms: Torenia plantagineum
- Taxonomic Serial Number: 834179
The species was first described by Christian Ferdinand Friedrich Hochstetter in 1841. The genus Craterostigma contains 28 species, with 9 currently accepted.
Distribution and Habitat
The original collection location for some studied plants is unknown, however, some plants were obtained from Prof. D. Bartels, Max Planck Institute, Cologne, Germany and were initially collected from Africa.
Morphological Characteristics
- Small perennial herb
- Leaves in a basal rosette, obovate, 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm wide
- Leaves hairless and smooth above (rarely with a few hairs), densely pubescent underneath
During drying, the leaves of Craterostigma species undergo extensive shrinkage with significant wall folding.
Genetic and Cytological Information
Many genes are induced during desiccation. Dehydrins are a group of genes known to be induced.
Desiccation stress protein DSP-22, chloroplastic OS=Craterostigma plantagineum GN=DSP-22 PE= 2 is a specific gene present in the plant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
Studies suggest the involvement of PLD (phospholipase D) in the early dehydration events of Craterostigma plantagineum.
Resources and Further Information
- The Plant List: Version 1.1
- International Plant Names Index
- GRIN Taxonomy
- Flora Zambesiaca
- Seed plants of southern Africa: families and genera