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Jericho (ROSE OF popular name)

ROSE OF, popular name of Anastatica hierochuntina, a genus of plants belonging to the order Brassicaceæ, or crucifers. It is an annual, inhabiting the Egyptian desert. It is so highly hygrometric that when fully developed it contracts its rigid branches so as to constitute a ball. Exposed then to the action of the wind, it is driven hither and thither. If, however, it be brought in contact with water, the ballform vanishes, and the branches again acquire their natural expansion. It is said to have first bloomed on Christmas eve, and continued in flower till Easter; its birth heralding the advent of the Redeemer, and immediately before its departure honoring His resurrection.