The plant known historically by the common name “Wandering Jew” is a resilient and vibrant houseplant, scientifically classified within the genus Tradescantia. These plants are widely appreciated for their striking foliage, which often displays patterns of deep purple, silver, green, and pink stripes. The various species, such as Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia fluminensis, are prized for their ease of growth and the beauty of their trailing vines. The controversial and historically complex origins of its common name are rooted not in botany, but in an ancient and problematic legend.
Identifying the Plant’s Distinctive Growth Habit
The plant’s physical characteristics directly relate to the “wandering” part of its former common name. Tradescantia species are known for their exceptional vigor and rapid growth, leading to the alternative name “Inch Plant” because some varieties can grow an inch a week. They produce soft, fleshy stems and long, trailing vines that cascade beautifully from hanging baskets.
This widespread growth habit is facilitated by the plant’s unique ability to root easily from its nodes. If a trailing stem touches soil, a new root system forms quickly at the node, which is the small bump where a leaf emerges. This segmental growth allows the plant to spread aggressively, establishing new growth wherever a piece of the stem lands. This resilient, self-propagating nature allows the plant to thrive in various conditions, making it a low-maintenance houseplant.
The Cultural Origins of the Wandering Jew Legend
The term “Wandering Jew” originates from a figure in European Christian folklore, with the earliest recorded references appearing in 13th-century texts. The legend tells the story of a Jewish man, often named Cartaphilus or Ahasuerus, who was cursed to roam the Earth eternally. In a common version, he allegedly taunted or refused to help Christ while he carried the cross to the crucifixion.
As punishment for this act of cruelty or faithlessness, Christ condemned the man to immortality and perpetual exile, forcing him to wander the world until the Second Coming. This mythological figure became a symbol of eternal punishment and suffering in the Western imagination. The narrative served as a cautionary tale and was often interpreted to represent the Jewish people as a whole, reflecting the medieval Christian belief that Jewish displacement was divine retribution.
The legend became a deeply ingrained cultural narrative and was later exploited to promote anti-Semitic ideologies. It was used to justify the mistreatment of Jewish communities by portraying them as cursed outsiders who were perpetually displaced. This association with harmful stereotypes is why the name is considered offensive and inappropriate today.
Connecting the Legend to the Plant’s Common Name
The common name was bestowed upon the Tradescantia due to a direct analogy drawn between the figure of the legend and the plant’s vigorous growth. Plant enthusiasts observed the species’ remarkable ability to spread quickly and root itself in new locations with little effort. This botanical observation was likened to the mythological figure’s ceaseless, enduring journey across the globe. The plant’s hardiness and resilience, specifically its capacity to survive even when neglected or uprooted, mirrored the enduring and exiled nature of the mythological character. This naming convention gained popularity around the late 19th century.
Addressing the Controversy and Alternative Names
The historical context of the name has led to a modern movement to abandon its use due to its anti-Semitic origins. Many plant growers, nurseries, and enthusiasts now recognize that the term is rooted in a narrative that was historically used to justify the persecution of Jewish people. Choosing alternative terminology is a step toward inclusivity.
The most universally accepted and non-controversial name for the plant is its scientific classification, the genus Tradescantia. This name honors the 17th-century English naturalists, John Tradescant the Elder and Younger, who introduced many new plants to English gardens. Other acceptable common names include “Inch Plant,” which references its rapid growth, and “Spiderwort,” a name shared by other members of the Commelinaceae family.