A botanical curiosity. The apparently dead fern miraculously comes back to life when placed in water

A botanical curiosity found in many desert areas. It comes in dehydrated form, looking not unlike an old bird's-nest. When it is placed in water, it springs to life transformed within a few hours to a verdant fern-like plant. If it is allowed to dry out it returns to its original apparently-dead state. This process can be repeated indefinitely even after it has been transplanted into soil.