The question of whether sycamore trees grow in Israel is often met with a simple “yes,” but the answer requires a botanical clarification. The tree found in the region is the Sycamore Fig, scientifically known as Ficus sycomorus, a species with deep roots in the Middle East. This tree is not related to the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) or the European sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), despite sharing a common name. The shared nomenclature is a source of confusion, but the Sycamore Fig holds a unique place in the history, ecology, and landscape of the Levant.
Clarifying Identity: The Sycamore Fig
The tree referred to as the sycamore in Israel belongs to the genus Ficus, placing it firmly in the fig family. Its scientific name, Ficus sycomorus, directly translates to “fig-mulberry,” which highlights its physical characteristics. The confusion arises because the leaves of the Sycamore Fig resemble those of the mulberry, and its fruit is a type of fig. Botanically, this species is completely separate from the Platanus genus that defines the sycamores of North America.
A key identifying feature of the Ficus sycomorus is its growth habit, which includes a dense, spreading crown that can reach up to 20 meters in height. Unlike the common fig, its fruit develops in thick clusters directly on the trunk and main branches, a phenomenon called cauliflory. These edible figs are smaller, typically measuring 2–3 centimeters in diameter, and ripen from green to shades of yellow or red. The species is a subtropical tree that thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate.
The Deep Historical Roots of the Sycamore
The Sycamore Fig has been a fixture of the Middle Eastern and Egyptian landscape for millennia, making it one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees. In ancient Egypt, the tree held cultural and spiritual importance, often associated with the goddesses Hathor, Isis, and Nut. Wood from the Sycamore Fig was the preferred material for making sarcophagi for the elite due to its durability and availability. This practice was meant to symbolically return the deceased to the embrace of the mother goddess.
The tree is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, confirming its historical presence in ancient Canaan and Judea. The prophet Amos identified himself as a “dresser of sycamore-fig trees,” highlighting the common nature of the occupation. The fruit of the Ficus sycomorus was a staple food, especially for the poorer population, as it was widely available and reliable. To encourage the fruit to ripen, ancient cultivators would manually puncture or “nick” the figs, a practice documented in historical texts and archaeological findings.
The most well-known biblical reference is the story of Zacchaeus, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. This anecdote underscores the tree’s physical structure, which typically features low, broad, and sturdy branches that are easy to climb. Its abundance in the coastal plain and lowlands of the region, where it could avoid the frost of the higher mountains, made it a defining feature of the landscape in antiquity.
Current Presence and Cultivation in Israel
Today, the Ficus sycomorus remains a notable, though less agriculturally dominant, part of the Israeli landscape. Its deep, invasive root system allows it to tap into the water table, making it a phreatophyte that thrives in the warm coastal plains, riverbanks, and valleys. This resilience and its massive, spreading canopy make it a valued shade tree in parks, along roadsides, and in urban landscaping.
The tree is often preserved for its historical and ornamental value rather than for commercial fruit production. One famous ancient specimen, traditionally associated with the story of Zacchaeus, can still be viewed in the city of Jericho. While its popularity has declined since ancient times due to the availability of other timber and more commercially viable fruits, it is still cultivated today. The trees in Israel do not naturally produce viable seeds because the specific fig wasp required for pollination is not present in the region. Therefore, modern cultivation relies entirely on vegetative propagation, typically through cuttings, to ensure the continuation of the species.