Lagniappe 3

Oak Alley Plantation, a little more lagniappe. 

While waiting for the students' contribution to this blog, I thought I would share something else we learned when we were in Louisiana.
Do you know what pleopeltis polypodioides is?
Now what language is that?
Universal botanical classification!
Later, students will show you their photos of the resurrection fern growing on the magnificent live oak trees and they will tell you why they are called "live" oak trees!
For now, here's just a little wikipedia information and photos for you:

The resurrection fern gets its name because it can survive long periods of drought by curling up its leaves and appearing desiccated, grey-brown and dead.  However, when just a little water is present, the fern will uncurl and reopen, appearing to "resurrect" and becoming again a vivid green color about 24 hours later!  It has been estimated that these plants could last 100 years without water and still revive after getting water.

Now that is interesting, isn't it?

 resurrection fern on an oak branch after a brief rain

the same plant in desiccated state

Jane
PS.  Happy birthday Jacques Télésphore Roman, who would be 215 years old today! (See Lagniappe 2)
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-fern = la fougère
-drought = la sécheresse
-to curl up = s'enrouler
-desiccated = dried up, desséché
-to uncurl = dérouler