As climate change continues to turn what were once fertile lands into dusty, arid fields, scientists and farmers alike are searching for ways to adapt. One answer may lie in a unique group of flora called “resurrection plants,” which can go dormant and appear dead for years, only to return when conditions are more favorable. More than 130 known varieties of resurrection plants exist and what’s most important is that it is possible to activate the “resurrection” gene in other plants, including our staple crops. If more staple crops can be bred to be drought resistant, then farmers can plant these crops to survive climate change and maintain their livelihoods.
“Resurrection plants” offer hope as climate change threatens crops
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