Ancient Fruit from an Ancient Land

May 16, 2017

Different types of fruit trees   Almond trees in rocky terrain (2)

Tree WallPhotographer: Menashe Davidson
Summary Author: Menashe Davidson

Shown above are three almond trees I observed while walking among the Eked Antiquities in Ayalon Canada Park, Israel. This fortress dates to the second century BC. The trigger for my taking this little walk was to enjoy the opening of the almonds gentle white blossoms.

At left are three ancient fruit trees found growing in and around the fortress; a fig tree, an olive tree (evergreen) and an almond tree  (from left to right). These three fruiting trees have been a staple food for humans for thousands of years and were among the first to be cultivated. Their fruit, rich in nutritional value, can be eaten fresh or preserved as dried fruit or as processed oil.

  • Almond (Amygdalus communis, family Rosaceae) - is one of the species most common in the Mediterranean woodlands of Israel. It's a deciduous tree that is among the first to flower, presaging the arrival of spring. Flowering precedes the appearance of foliage.
  • Olive (Olea europea, family Oleaceae) - an evergreen tree found across much of the Mediterranean region. It's mentioned numerous times in the Bible and is common throughout Israel.
  • Fig (Ficus carica, family Moraceae) – a deciduous tree, like the olive, is an integral part of the landscape and agriculture of the eastern Mediterranean region. Both photos taken on February 6, 2017.

Photo Details: Camera: NIKON D7100; Focal Length: 26mm (35mm equivalent: 39mm); Aperture: ƒ/25.0; Exposure Time: 0.010 s (1/100); ISO equiv: 250.

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