The extremely hardy Syntrichia Caninervis moss was discovered in the western Xinjiang desert and, according to scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, may be able to support colonists on Mars.
This specific variety of moss came back to life in a matter of seconds when the scientists dried it out and then rehydrated it.
In an attempt to mimic the circumstances on Mars, they also frozen and shocked it with radiation, but the moss continued to resurrect, photosynthesising and expanding normally.
According to scientists, once on Mars, it might aid in maintaining rich soil, absorbing CO2, and producing oxygen.
They discovered that the moss could regenerate in a matter of seconds upon rehydration, despite having lost nearly 98% of its water content.
It can also regrow after being kept in liquid nitrogen for a month or in a freezer for five years at -80C (-112F).
The moss grows in the arctic, the Middle East, Tibet, Xinjiang, and a desert in California.
