Title : The rhodopean silivryak (Haberlea rhodopensis), the "resurrection plant" or the flower of orpheus
Abstract:
The Rhodopean silivryak (Haberlea rhodopensis or Rhodopean haberlea) is a representative of the Gesneriaceae family. It is a Balkan endemic, a protected relict species. It is known for its long-term anabiotic drought resistance, also known as the “resurrection plant” or the flower of Orpheus. It has been established that the Orpheus flower is a pre-glacial relic, its existence dating back to about 25 million years ago. The Orpheus flower is among the most interesting and rare representatives of the Bulgarian flora and a unique plant in many ways. It has amazing properties among flowering plants (angiosperms), with which it can survive extreme and prolonged dehydration. Haberlea rhodopensis can survive three years in a herbarium. This property is called anabiotic drought resistance and is therefore called the resurrection flower. The orpheus flower can fall into a state of anabiosis (pseudo-death), both in summer and in winter and revive with sufficient moisture, light and heat. When water is available again, the flower can recover (resurrect) in less than two days and continue to develop. The flower has healing properties to cleanse the liver, stomach, kidneys, blood vessels, has a tonic and rejuvenating effect. Tea from the herb can be drunk once every 5 years, because it is very strong. Its chemical composition is not very well studied, but it is known to contain polyphenols in its leaves, which are strong antioxidants. The herb contains unique beneficial substances, which is why it was used in the past to treat foot-and-mouth disease in animals and wounds.
