Cercis siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas tree or Judas-tree, is a small deciduous tree in the flowering plant family Fabaceae which is noted for its prolific display of deep pink flowers in spring. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
There is a myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species, causing its white flowers to turn red. This belief is related to the common name 'Judas tree', which is possibly a corrupted derivation from the French common name, Arbre de Judée, meaning 'tree of Judea', referring to the hilly regions of that country where the tree used to be common. Another possible source for the vernacular name is the fact that the flowers and seedpods can dangle directly from the trunk in a way reminiscent of Judas's possible method of suicide.
This species forms a small tree up to 12 m in height and 10 m in width. The deep pink flowers are produced on year-old or older growth, including the trunk, in spring. They have five free petals and fused sepals, a flower shape typical of much of the pea family.
The leaves appear shortly after the first flowers emerge. These are cordate with a blunt apex and occasionally have a shallow notch at the tip. The tree produces long flat pods that hang vertically. The flowers are edible and reportedly have a sweet and tart taste.
Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!
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What a beautiful pink color the flowers display. Thank you also for the myth that surrounds this tree. I was glad to take part in your challenge this week.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flower party every week. Thank you my friend. Aloha
ReplyDeleteHappy about the flowers... every week. Thank you for sharing and for hosting.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week.
Thanks for hosting and such awesome flowers and links left.
ReplyDeleteMy entry is numbered #12.
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