Signs 4-19

Common name: Lychee litchi sini ליצ’י סיני :Hebrew name Scientific name: Litchi chinensis ليتشي :Arabic name Family: Sapindaceae

Lychee A slow-growing, small- to medium-sized fruit tree, translucent, strongly scented fruit surrounding a large, evergreen, notable for its attractive, graceful fruit. smooth, brown seed. The fruits are marketed fresh, Its trunk is dark and relatively thin, and the crown is dried or canned. round with dense foliage. The leaves are even pinnate Wild populations of lychee have been preserved in (composed of even numbers of leaflets), with long, the forests of southern China. It is estimated that it large, pointed leaflets that point downwards. was domesticated there in the early second millennium In spring, terminal inflorescences (clusters on BCE. For centuries, the lychee was considered the the branch tips) bear abundant small, petal-less most sought-after fruit in Chinese royal courts, and flowers that are yellowish or greenish-white. In great efforts were undertaken to serve it regularly. summer, showy globular or elliptical fruits ripen inside The lychee was introduced to Israel in the 1930s, but nubby, thin red skins. Inside the skin is a juicy white, only in the 1970s did commercial planting begin.

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Common name: Malagasy Sago Palm cycas shrachi ציקס שרכי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Cycas thouarsii سيكاس :Arabic name Family: Cycadaceae

Malagasy Sago Palm A palm-like plant with magnificent leaves similar trunk. The female flowers appear as a cluster of hairy, to fern fronds. The cylindrical, upright trunk may split pinnate leaves at the heart of the plant, and they in two, and it can grow up to 10 meters tall. Large, produce large, red-brown, egg-shaped seeds. glossy pinnate leaves that can reach a length of up The Cycas species are among the most ancient to three meters grow from the top of the trunk. of the higher plants, and it is believed that they The leaves are soft compared to the more familiar have existed on earth for over 100 million years. Japanese sago palm, and they curve downwards. The Cycas thouarsii, which is native to Madagascar, Like other species of the genus Cycas, male and is considered the oldest of the Cycadaceae family (it female flowers develop on separate trees. The male appeared approximately 140 million years ago). It is inflorescence (flower cluster) looks like a pine cone the largest, and without a doubt the fastest-growing, arising from the heart of the leaves at the top of the member of the family.

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Common name: Mango mango hodi מנגו הודי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Mangifera indica ماجنو :Arabic name Family: Anacardiaceae

Mango

An evergreen fruit tree with an impressively ing branches. The shape, color, taste and texture large, dense crown. The mango grows to enormous are particular to each variety of mango. The genus dimensions in its native India, and it is considered Mangifera includes several dozen species, about 30 to be the largest fruit tree in the world. The trunk of which produce edible fruit. The Indian mango is dark, and the dark green leaves are glossy, thick, is the only one grown commercially. It was elongated and pointed. The color of the new leaves domesticated in India approximately 4,000 years varies from red to bronze. ago, and over 2,000 different varieties have been Mango Walk In spring, the flowers develop in large terminal developed. Jamaican folk song panicles (branched clusters that grow on the branch The mango was introduced to Israel from Egypt th tips) with a great number of small, pinkish white in the early 20 century and was planted for My brother did a-tell me that you go mango walk, flowers. Most of the flowers are female; a few are agriculture beginning in the 1930s. Since then, a You go mango walk, you go mango walk, male. In most mango varieties, the tree self-fertilizes. number of local, Israeli varieties have been developed; In summer, large fruits develop on the flower- the most well-known is the Maya mango. My brother did a-tell me that you go mango walk And steal all the number ‘leven. 106 / 107 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 2-14 3-3

Common name: Mediterranean Cypress, Italian Cypress ’brosh matzui ‘ofki ברוש מצוי ‘אופקי’ :Hebrew name Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens ‘horizontalis’ س رو :Arabic name Family: Cupressaceae

“…and he covered the floor of the house with Mediterranean Cypress (horizontalis) boards of cypress” (1 Kings 6:15) A common, upright coniferous tree. Its gray, Israel to Iran. The Land of Israel’s wild populations fissured trunk rises to the top of the tree, and its now remain only on the east bank of the Jordan River. horizontal branches give the tree a somewhat The cypress is mentioned in the Bible as a tree used in disheveled appearance. Its small, scale-like leaves grow the construction of the Temple, though it is uncertain from the secondary branches, and the ends of the whether today’s cypress is identical to that mentioned branches contain flowers in the form of small cones, in the Bible. In the cultures of the region, the cypress both male and female. The females are wind pollinated is associated with mourning, and it is planted beside and develop into globular cones whose internal seeds Christian, Muslim and Jewish cemeteries. ripen within two years. Hardy and resilient, the cypress is often used for The Mediterranean cypress grows wild in the afforestation. Its use in windbreaks has made it a eastern Mediterranean and in western Asia – from familiar part of Israel’s agricultural landscape. 108 / 109 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 2-8 from Come Away 3-7 William Shakespeare 10-1 10-9 Come away, come away, death, Common name: Mediterranean Cypress, Italian Cypress And in sad cypress let me be laid. Fly away, fly away, breath; ’brosh matzui ‘tzrifi ברוש מצוי ‘צריפי’ :Hebrew name Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens ‘stricta’ I am slain by a fair cruel maid. My shroud of white, stuck all with yew, سرو هرمي :Arabic name Family: Cupressaceae O, prepare it! My part of death, no one so true Did share it.

“…I have gone up the heights of the mountains, to the far recesses of Lebanon; I felled its tallest cedars, its Mediterranean Cypress (stricta) choicest cypresses” (Isaiah 37:24) An upright, coniferous tree, with branches that unmistakable appearance, something like an exclama- grow straight up, staying close to the trunk, which tion point, has led to its wide use as an ornamental gives it a distinct, narrow cone shape. In most aspects, tree from antiquity until today. the stricta variety is identical to its horizontalis relative: In Israel, the stricta is often used alongside the Its trunk is straight, gray and fissured; its cones are horizontalis in gardens, forests and the agricultural globular and woody; and its foliage is dark, but denser landscape, and sometimes intermediate forms are and usually greener than that of the horizontalis. used. Recently, especially narrow, compact members of Like the horizontalis, which is the original wild the stricta group have been bred from individual speci- variety of the tree, the stricta is durable and resilient in mens found in Israel and the region. Some of them a range of harsh conditions. It is considered the more bear the names of the places from which they were distinctive and familiar form of the cypress; its collected, including Santa-Katerina and Sha’ar Hagai. 110 / 111 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 3-6 7-13 10-19

Common name: Mediterranean Fan Palm chamaerops namuch כמרופס נמוך :Hebrew name Scientific name: Chamaerops humilis الوقل اخلاشع :Arabic name Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)

Mediterranean Fan Palm A short palm tree with multiple trunks and an male and female flowers develop on separate trees. impressive sculptural shape. Several trunks covered The pollen is carried by the wind and, in the plant’s in brown fibers grow from the base of the tree to native region, it is also transferred by a unique species a height of 1.5 to 5 meters. When mature, the of beetle. On female trees, clusters of small, round group of trunks comes to resemble a candelabrum. green fruits develop that turn purple-brown when Small- to medium-sized, rounded, fan-shaped fronds, ripe. which are split into narrow, stiff lobes, grow from The Mediterranean fan palm is the only species in the tops of the trunks. The petioles (leafstalks) are its genus. It is the only palm that grows wild in armed with sharp thorns that protect the young Europe. The tree is native to the Iberian Peninsula leaves from grazing animals. and North Africa, where its leaves are used for In spring, yellow inflorescences (clusters) of weaving baskets and mats, and for making brooms. 112 / 113 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 3-8

Common name: Mexican Cypress, Portugal Cedar brosh portugali ברוש פורטוגלי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Cupressus lusitanica سرو برتغالي :Arabic name Family: Cupressaceae

“I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes Mexican Cypress your fruit” (Hosea 14:8/9)

A rare coniferous tree. In its youth it has a conical native species. It grows in a range of conditions in shape, while in maturity the crown tends to become its native countries and therefore it is considered an rounded and take on a sculptural form. Its green especially durable and resilient tree. Due to this foliage is made up of scale-like leaves, as in other durability, it has been planted around the world for cypress species. When its small, globular cones ripen, afforestation, erosion prevention and windbreaking. they open and release their seeds. Some of the cones Thanks to the quality of its timber, it is also grown have a mechanism that opens only following fire, and commercially. thus they renew fire-damaged forests. In Israel, the benefits of the Mexican cypress have The Mexican cypress grows wild in the high yet to be fully discovered, and it is still quite rare. mountains of Mexico and Central America. In the Individual trees are planted here and there in gardens; 17th century it was introduced into Portugal, where the mature ones among them are distinct in their it eventually became mistakenly designated as a unique sculptural appearance. 114 / 115 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 5-3 6-11 7-7 8-2 8-8 9-6 10-17

Common name: Mexican Fan Palm washingtonia chasona ושינגטוניה חסונה :Hebrew name Scientific name: Washingtonia robusta الواشنطونيا :Arabic name Family: Arecaceae (Palmae)

Mexican Fan Palm

A tall palm tree, one of the oldest and most agronomist and member of NILI (a Jewish spy ring), common ornamental palms in Israel. Its fan-shaped Aaron Aaronsohn, did wonders with Mexican fan fronds emerge from the top of the trunk. White palms, planting several boulevards of them. The threads grow between the fans’ ribs. As the fronds Mexican fan palm also stars on famous Hollywood mature, they lean outwards and then downwards. The boulevards. Apparently, most of the specimens in Israel dry fronds sometimes accumulate to produce the tree’s are a cross between Washingtonia robusta, which is characteristic “petticoat.” Creamy white flower clusters native to northwestern Mexico, and Washingtonia grow among the leaves, and these are replaced by filifera (Arizona fan palm), native to the southwestern small, dark, round fruits that fall to the ground. United States. Mexican fan palms were planted in the first Washingtonia is resilient in the face of heat, moshavot (rural communities) in Israel, among other drought and salinity, as well as salt spray from the sea, things as “gate trees” for courtyards, and they have and therefore is often planted in gardens along the become a landmark of the moshava landscape. The coast.

116 / 117 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 3-9 Common name: Mexican Rose dombeya v’ruda דומביאה ורודה :Hebrew name Scientific name: Dombeya cayeuxii (rosea) ورد مكسيكي :Arabic name Family: Sterculiaceae

Mexican Rose from My Pretty Rose Tree A large, wide, evergreen, tropical shrub noted hang, even when the flowers have wilted and turned William Blake for its large leaves and winter blooms. Numerous brown. As far as is known, the plant does not produce dense branches with brown bark grow from the base fruit in Israel. A flower was offered to me; of the trunk. The round, wide crown is made up of The genus Dombeya belongs to the Sterculiaceae Such a flower as May never bore. very large, round leaves, each with several pointed family, and includes over 200 species from southern But I said I’ve a Pretty Rose-tree. lobes. The leaves are somewhat hairy and have a and eastern Africa, and Madagascar. The derivation And I passed the sweet flower o’er. “rumpled” look. of the Mexican rose that is generally found in Israel In winter, huge, showy, ball-like inflorescences is unclear. It is known by various names in different Then I went to my Pretty Rose-tree: (flower clusters) made up of numerous bright pink sources, and it may possibly be a cross between a few flowers hang among the leaves. The tree stays in similar species. In Israel, the Mexican rose is primarily To tend her by day and by night. bloom well into the spring. The clusters continue to found in older gardens. But my Rose turn'd away with jealousy: And her thorns were my only delight. 118 / 119 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 1-15 8-17 Common name: Mount Tabor Oak alon ha’tavor אלון התבור :Hebrew name Scientific name: Quercus ithaburensis املل :Arabic name Family: Fagaceae

“They sacrifice upon the tops of the mountains, and offer upon the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because the shadow thereof is good…” Mount Tabor Oak (Hosea 4:13) A broad, deciduous or semi-deciduous tree. Its are used for decoration. primary branches wind upward and out from the wide, There are approximately 600 species of oak. short trunk. The leaves have serrated edges and small Most of these are native to temperate regions of the hairs sprouting from their undersides. The Mount Tabor northern hemisphere, but the Mount Tabor oak (or oak sheds its leaves late in the winter and sprouts new as it is called in the Bible, alon habashan) grows wild growth early in the spring; some specimens may not only in Israel and in Syria, on both sides of the Syrian- shed their leaves at all. African rift. In the past, it covered vast portions of The Mount Tabor oak is at its most beautiful when the Land of Israel. Ancient specimens, hundreds of in bud, covered with a greenish-gold coat of new years old, are scattered from the Golan Heights to the leaves and flowers. The acorns, which develop out of Sharon. the flowers, are larger than those of other oak species, Mount Tabor oaks have been planted at different and the large cupules (cups) that hold them have long, times along the Institute’s Marcus Sieff Boulevard; curly protrusions. When roasted, the acorns can be future plans include creating a continuous strip of used to make a coffee-like beverage, and the cupules them along this route.

120 / 121 100 trees a t the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 3-15 10-6 Common Name: Norfolk Island Pine araucaria ramah אראוקריה רמה :Hebrew Name Scientific Name: Araucaria heterophylla (excelsa) ا روك ا ري ه :Arabic Name Family: Araucariaceae

Norfolk Island Pine

A sculpted tree with a conical, symmetrical profile. earliest of the conifers. The Norfolk Island pine’s origin The upright trunk extends to the top of the tree and is is Norfolk Island, located east of Australia, and it was covered in gray, fissured bark. Several branches grow first documented by Captain James Cook in the 18th from a common point on the trunk in whorls that are century. stacked symmetrically from the bottom of the tree to The Norfolk Island pine is found throughout the the top. As the tree matures, though, this symmetry world today as an ornamental tree and, thanks to its is disrupted. The needle-shaped leaves are densely successful growth in pots, it has become an alternative arranged along the length of the branchlets, which to the fir as a Christmas tree. The tree was introduced resemble “tails” covered with scales, and they change to Israel at the beginning of the 20th century, and it shape over the lifetime of the tree. became a typical resident of stately gardens in both The Araucariaceae family is considered one of the Jewish and Arab communities.

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Common Name: Nyasaland Mahogany khaya niassit חאיה ניאסית :Hebrew Name Scientific Name: Khaya nyasica مهج ون ي :Arabic Name Family: Meliaceae

Nyasaland Mahogany

A very large, tropical evergreen with a thick, demand for lumber. The Nyasaland mahogany’s tall, straight trunk; the branches only begin high up. characteristic red wood has also been used in the past The foliage has a rich appearance, and the leaves are for drums and for canoes called makoro. Though this even pinnate (composed of even numbers of leaflets) tree grows from the Ivory Coast to Mozambique, it is, with large green leaflets. The tree has small, fragrant nonetheless, named after Lake Nyasa in Malawi. Today, white flowers arranged in sparse clusters, which are the tree is endangered due to deforestation in Africa. barely visible as they are so high up. Its globe-shaped The only group of mature trees of this species in fruits open into four valves, and the seeds germinate Israel is located at the Weizmann Institute of Science. easily. They were planted here experimentally by Dr. Israel The genus Khaya includes a number of species – Gindel as part of the work of the JNF’s Forestry all hardwoods like mahogany, which is in constant Research Lab.

124 / 125 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 1-13 1-16 7-3 Common name: Olive zayit eiropi זית אירופי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Olea europaea زيت ون :Arabic name Family: Oleaceae

“And the dove came in to him at eventide; and lo in her mouth an olive-leaf freshly plucked; so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the Olive earth” (Genesis 8:11)

A tree with deep roots in human civilization, the Europe, hence its scientific name. The tree grows wild olive tree is a small- to medium-sized evergreen. Its in the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. trunk is gray and smooth, and as it ages, it gains its The domesticated growth of the olive in this region characteristic knots and twists. Very old trunks may began thousands of years ago and spread throughout lose their heartwood, becoming hollow. The stiff, the world. The olive is one of the seven species of the elongated leaves are dark gray on top and silver on the Land of Israel mentioned in the Bible, and was one underside, so that the tree changes color with every of the three economic bases of biblical Israel: “grain, gust of wind. Clusters of small white flowers appear wine, and oil” (olive oil). The tree is often mentioned in on the tree in spring, and the oil-filled fruits that the Bible as being beneficial, honored and valued. replace them are what have assured the tree its place In Israel, there are olive trees known to be hundreds in history. of years old or more, and some are claimed to be from The Apple Orchard The Oleaceae family includes a number of plants 2,000 years old. The olive tree also has a prominent Rainer Maria Rilke that are not at all similar to the olive, including such place in other cultures and religions that have developed flowering shrubs as lilac and jasmine. The genus Olea in this region. The olive branch has become a universal Thus must it be, when willingly you strive includes approximately 20 species, almost all of them symbol of peace and appears in the United Nations throughout a long and uncomplaining life, native to Africa, Asia and Australia. The olive tree emblem as well as in the emblem of the State of Israel, committed to one goal: to give yourself! is the only one of these whose native region abuts where it is the national tree. And silently to grow and to bear fruit. 126 / 127 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 9-15

Common name: Ombú, Bella Sombra phytolacca du-beitit פיטולקה דו-ביתית :Hebrew name Scientific name: Phytolacca dioica لكيه ثنائية املسكن :Arabic name Family: Phytolaccaceae

OmbÚ A wide tree that grows quickly and develops a The inflorescences (flower clusters) that bloom in protuberance of odd-looking, thickened roots at the the spring droop downwards in sprays of small cream base of the tree. Their thickness protects the shallow or yellowish flowers. Each tree is entirely male or roots from drying out, as well as anchoring the tree female (hence the name: dioica). On female trees, in storms. One short, thick trunk, or several trunks after the tree blooms, clusters of dark, round, juicy or branches, can rise from the base of the tree. This fruits appear. The fruits are poisonous to mammals creates an unusual sculptural appearance. The bark is (including humans), but are eaten by birds. brown. The wood is soft and spongy, has a high water There are approximately 25 species in the genus content, and breaks easily. The tree is usually ever- Phytolacca, most of them herbaceous (non-woody). green. The thick, glossy leaves are large with pointed The Ombú is characteristic of plains landscapes – the tips. pampas regions of Argentina and Uruguay.

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Common name: Orchid Tree bauhinia meguvenet בוהיניה מגוונת :Hebrew name Scientific name: Bauhinia variegata بوهينيا ملونه :Arabic name Family: Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Orchid Tree

A small- to medium-sized tree that blooms common variety has pink flowers with a dark spot on magnificently in the spring. Its trunk is gray-brown, its the central petal, but another variation has a snow- crown is round, and its large, rounded leaves are fold- white blossom. After the flowering, flat pods that turn ed and cleft into two lobes. The tree sheds its leaves in brown appear on the tree. winter either completely or partially, depending on the The genus Bauhinia contains around 200 species region and the temperature. of trees, shrubs and even climbers, all of which grow In spring, the orchid tree is covered in large, in warm climates. The orchid tree is native to southern fragrant flowers that are reminiscent of orchids. The China, India and Pakistan. In Israel the orchid tree has fan-shaped flower has five unequal petals. The most been grown as an ornamental tree since the 1920s. 130 / 131 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 8-11

Common name: Oriental Plane Tree dolev mizrachi דולב מזרחי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Platanus orientalis دلب :Arabic name Family: Platanaceae

Oriental Plane Tree A large, impressive deciduous tree – one of the the various Platanus species. most magnificent trees in Israel. Its trunk is tall, The genus Platanus, composed of 10 species, is the and when mature, the smooth bark thickens and only genus of the Platanaceae family, and it is native forms fissures. Its crown is tall and expands as the to the northern hemisphere. The Oriental plane tree tree matures. The large leaves are divided into grows naturally near water, from southern Europe to narrow, serrated lobes, and their light green color northern India. The tree has great importance in many changes to golden brown before they fall. The tree cultures; in Kashmir, for example, all Oriental plane is impressive adorned in its autumn finery and all the trees are protected by law and considered state more so when bare in winter. property. The small flowers form round clusters; male and The Oriental plane tree is very common as a shade female flowers grow separately on the same tree. The tree on boulevards and in gardens all around the female flowers develop into globular, fuzzy fruits that world. In Israel, where it grows wild, the tree is typical hang from stems in strings of three to six. The number of northern landscapes with flowing water. The of fruits in a string is one of the identifying marks of Oriental plane tree is also very popular in gardening. 132 / 133 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 4-2

Common name: Oval Kumquat, Nagami Kumquat kumquat sgalgal קומקווט סגלגל :Hebrew name Scientific name: Fortunella margarita (Citrus japonica ‘margarita’) ليمون كمكات :Arabic name Family: Rutaceae

A Recipe for Kumquat Jam Lior Maayan

First, bring a child to the world Oval Kumquat Plant a tree A small, charming citrus tree, grown both ornamen- peel is sweet and the flesh inside sour. The fruit is Get a ladder tally and for its fruit. It looks like a citrus tree whose eaten fresh or preserved along with the peel, and it And know to pick the moment of the orange grin. parts have all been shrunk and most resembles the is used to make jams, liqueurs, tea and alcoholic Wash under tap water, one fruit at a time, clementine tree. The oval kumquat has a short trunk, beverages. Over a flame, stir in sugar with a wooden spoon an elliptical shape and dense, dark foliage. Its leaves There are six species of kumquat, all from East Asia. Be cyclic, are smaller than other citrus leaves, and they are Some claim that it is a separate genus (Fortunella) Put your faith in the slow elongated and pointed. Like other citrus trees, it from Citrus while others believe all of the species to be Learn to recognize the rising scent requires regular watering. varieties of Citrus japonica. The oval kumquat is native Listen to the sounds, In late spring, the oval kumquat blooms in an to southern China. Its attractiveness and compact size Distil the quiet that follows after abundance of fragrant, white citrus flowers; while in have made the kumquat a common ornamental tree “Dad, it’s fun for me to climb by myself” winter, small, ripe, orange fruits decorate the tree, in Israel for small gardens, courtyards, roofs and each fruit containing two or three seeds. The fruit’s balconies. Take a chair, Sit. 134 / 135 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 2-12 6-12 9-5 Common name: Pecan karyat ha’pecan קריית הפקן :Hebrew name Scientific name: Carya illinoinensis ج وز :Arabic name Family: Juglandaceae

Pecan Winter Trees A deciduous tree, one of the largest growing in release the nut onto the ground. William Carlos Williams Israel. It is used for its nuts and as an ornamental tree. The genus Carya (hickory) contains approximately The trunk is upright, grey and fissured, and its pinnate 20 species, of which the pecan is the most well All the complicated details leaves are composed of elongated, pointed leaflets known. It is native to the southern and central of the attiring and with serrated edges. In fall and early winter, its leaves United States. Pecans are healthy and nutritious; the disattiring are completed! take on autumn shades of dark yellow. they are eaten fresh or roasted and often used in A liquid moon In spring, after the new leaves appear, greenish baking. moves gently among male and female inflorescences (flower clusters) Israel’s first pecan plantations were planted in the the long branches. develop on the same tree. The flowers are wind- 1950s; at the same time many of the trees were Thus having prepared their buds pollinated. Once fertilized, long fruits develop, planted in private gardens. Attractive boulevards of against a sure winter enveloped in a thick husk that is first green and then pecan trees can be found today in a number of brown. The fruits open in autumn into four valves that locations, including the Weizmann Institute. the wise trees stand sleeping in the cold. 136 / 137 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 5-1

Common name: Pink Ipê, Pink Trumpet Tree, Pink Lapacho tabebuiat ipe טבבויית איפה :Hebrew name Scientific name: Tabebuia impetiginosa (ipe) عيفقان :Arabic name Family: Bignoniaceae

Pink Ipê A tree that briefly sheds its leaves and blooms short while. The flowers are a vivid pink with yellow spectacularly in springtime. The tree is native to spots inside the throat. There are also varieties South America, where it grows to a considerable size, with white or magenta flowers. As the tree matures, while in other places it is medium-sized when mature. its bloom becomes showier. After blooming, dark The trunk is relatively thin, and the round crown is elongated pods hang from the tree. not dense. The leaves are palmate, composed of The genus Tabebuia includes about 100 species, five leaflets that grow from a central point, like a all from the American tropics. The pink ipê has a hand, with the central leaflet larger than the wide distribution in forests from Mexico to northern others. Argentina and probably also grew wild on the islands In the spring, abundant clusters of large of Trinidad and Tobago. The pink ipê is the national trumpet-shaped flowers appear on the tree for a tree of Paraguay. 138 / 139 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 8-3

Common name: Pomegranate rimon matzu’i רימון מצוי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Punica granatum رمان شائع :Arabic name Family: Punicaceae

" A land of wheat and barley, and wines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive-trees and honey" Pomegranate (Deuteronomy 8:8)

A small, deciduous fruit tree that holds a special of red or pink seeds arranged in clusters and separated place in all the cultures of the region. It grows on by yellow “dividers.” several trunks and has a shrub-like structure. Its The pomegranate is native to northern Iran and the reddish, arching branches have sharp, pointy tips. Its western edges of the Himalayas. From there, it spread leaves are soft, elongated and pale, and before falling, to our region as an agricultural crop. they turn a deep yellow. New leaf growth is reddish. One of the seven species with which the land of Clusters of prominent red flowers with wrinkled Israel is traditionally blessed, in Jewish sources the petals develop on the tree in early summer. The pomegranate symbolizes abundance, wisdom, beauty flowers grow out of a red, fleshy, jug-shaped calyx that and blessing. Pomegranate agriculture is on the rise in ends in a “crown” of wide-set teeth. In autumn the Israel and abroad, as demand has increased owing to calyx ripens into a large, polygon-shaped fruit with the the health benefits of the fruit and the use of its juice familiar “crown” on top. Inside each fruit are hundreds in sauces, wines and syrups.

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Common name: Pride of Bolivia, Rosewood michnaf na’eh מכנף נאה :Hebrew name Scientific name: Tipuana tipu بليسندر جميله :Arabic Name Family: Fabaceae (Papilonaceae)

Pride of Bolivia A large shade tree with a wide crown. Its foliage The pride of Bolivia is native to Bolivia and is moderately dense, making for mild, pleasant shade. Argentina, where it grows in a variety of conditions. Its The pride of Bolivia is semi-deciduous; in warm timber is valued in the furniture industry and is known climates it does not shed its leaves at all. In late in the industry as rosewood (similar to the timber of spring or early summer, groups of slightly wrinkled the Dalbergia sissoo) or Brazilian rosewood. flowers develop on the tree for a brief period. The Because it grows quickly, and is strong and hardy, flowers do not stand out when on the tree, but it has become a common ornamental tree around the when they fall to the ground en masse, they color world. In Israel, its use as an ornamental tree began it bright yellow. Each fruit that develops after the in the 1970s and 80s, when it was often planted tree blooms is actually a single seed attached to a as a shade tree for boulevards, gardens and groves large wing. throughout the country.

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Common name: Purple-Leaf Plum ’shezif duvdevani ‘adom שזיף דובדבני 'אדום ' :Hebrew name Scientific name: Prunus cerasifera ‘atropurpurea’ (‘pissardii’) دراق كرزي :Arabic name Family: Rosaceae

Purple-Leaf Plum A small, deciduous tree notable for its colorful develop in summer – purple, like the leaves, and edible foliage. Young trees have a narrow shape that rounds but sour. out as they mature. Its trunk is short and brown. In its original form, the species, which is native to Its numerous branches have dark brown bark with western Asia, is small with green leaves and red or serrated and pointed egg-shaped leaves growing on yellow fruit. This cultivar was first introduced in France them. New leaf growth is bronze-colored; the leaves in 1880 by M. Pissard, the Shah of Persia’s gardener turn purple as they mature, and they redden before at the time (hence one of its scientific names). It is a falling in winter. In late winter and early spring, when popular ornamental tree in many countries, especially the tree is still bare, it covers itself in a cloak of white those with cool climates. It has recently gained flowers with reddish centers. Small globular fruits popularity for use in bonsai. 144 / 145 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 9-2

Common name: Queensland Lacebark, Pink Flame Tree, Pink Kurrajong brachychiton du-goni ברכיכיטון דו-גוני :Hebrew name Scientific name: Brachychiton discolor براكيكينت ثنائي اللون :Arabic name Family: Sterculiaceae

Queensland Lacebark An upright tree that sheds its leaves for a short of Brachychiton. time while the tree is in bloom. The Queensland In late spring or early summer, hairy, pink, bell- lacebark is native to Australia, where it develops into shaped flowers develop. Though the flowers are sparse, a large tree, but in Israel it is only medium-sized. The they are large and showy. Following the flowers, large thick gray trunk, which stores water, rises straight boat-shaped, hairy, woody fruits appear. upward into the crown. Its lobed leaves are green Native Australians make shields from the wood, on top and white underneath (hence the Latin name and the seeds are roasted and eaten. Due to its of the species, which means two-colored). The shape beauty, and because the tree is strong and easy to of the leaves may vary from tree to tree, making grow, it has become a popular ornamental tree in it difficult to distinguish between it and other species many places around the world. 146 / 147 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 6-2

Common name: Queensland Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree שפלרה )ברסאיה( מקרינה :Hebrew name schefflera (brassaia) makrina Scientific name: Schefflera (Brassaia) actinophylla شيفلير :Arabic name Family: Araliaceae

Queensland Umbrella Tree A tropical forest tree with rich foliage and a In late summer, unusual long inflorescences (flower unique bloom. The Queensland umbrella tree usually clusters) resembling horns or tentacles (hence the other grows on multiple thin, curved trunks. When young, common name) grow out of the treetop. Small red its large leaves grow out of the top of a single flowers containing nectar are borne on the stems of trunk; when the tree matures, this trunk splits into the inflorescences. The tree blooms for several months, branches and the tree’s shape broadens. Its palmate and the flowers are replaced by globular purple fruits leaves (multiple leaflets growing from a single point) that are eaten in the tree’s native Australia by bats, are composed of large glossy leaflets, with a long tree kangaroos, other marsupials and birds. petiole (leafstalk). The circle of leaves may resemble The Queensland umbrella tree is quite common as an umbrella – hence one of the tree’s common an ornamental plant worldwide. As it is a forest tree, names. it is very suitable for shade or indoor growing. 148 / 149 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 4-1 7-14

Common name: Red Silk Cotton Tree, Kapok bombak hodi בומבק הודי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Bombax malabaricum (ceiba) خ ي زران :Arabic name Family: Bombacaceae

Red Silk Cotton Tree A magnificent, large, tropical tree native to South orange or orange-red flowers with a plastic appear- Asia. Its trunk is upright, rising conically to the top ance. Its fruits open into five valves, releasing seeds of the tree, and its branches grow either horizontally wrapped in silky cotton that is blown away by the or somewhat diagonally in “split levels.” Its unique, wind. The fruit’s fibers are harvested as kapok, which pagoda-like silhouette is especially noticeable in win- is used to fill pillows and blankets. ter, when it sheds some or all of its hand-shaped In China and India the red silk cotton tree has leaves. been grown as an ornamental tree for centuries. In At the end of winter and in spring, the tree’s bare Israel it has been grown for some time; its popularity branches display buds that blossom into enormous has increased in recent years.

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Common name: River Red Gum eikalyptus hamakor איקליפטוס המקור :Hebrew name Scientific name: Eucalyptus camaldulensis كينا املنقار :Arabic name Family: Myrtaceae

River Red Gum

A very large tree, common and familiar to most Australia and its environs. Often found in the Israelis. The upright trunk is wide and impressive. continent’s interior, it grows primarily along river Its bark is smooth, pale and mottled, and it peels channels with seasonal flooding patterns. The river off in strips. The big branches point upwards, and red gum is an iconic tree in Australia and even they have a tendency to break off unexpectedly. appears on some of the country’s postage stamps. The dull-olive-green leaves have a characteristic, A fast-growing and easily adaptable tree, the myrtle-like smell; they are stiff, narrow and slightly river red gum has become one of the most bowed. Before opening, the white flowers are hidden common trees of its kind, used in afforestation in an operculum with a pointed cover that resembles and as an ornamental tree around the world. In a beak. The flowers give way to bunches of woody, Israel, the river red gum is associated with the early spherical fruits bearing triangular tooth-like valves settlement of the country; the pioneers originally that open to release the seeds. planted it to drain the swamps and, later, as a The river red gum is the most common of fast-growing forest tree across the entire country, the hundreds of eucalyptus species growing in including in arid regions.

152 / 153 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 8-13

Common name: River Tea Tree מללויקה מחופה 'רבולושן-גולד' :Hebrew name melaleuca mechupa ‘revolution gold’ Scientific name: Melaleuca bracteata ‘Revolution Gold’ بلقاء مغطاة :Arabic name Family: Myrtaceae

River Tea Tree A small, erect tree with a shrub-like shape, distinctive The flowers tend to develop into woody fruits for its golden foliage. The trunk is relatively thin and the clustered on the branches, each fruit resembling a little branches begin near the bottom. The secondary branch- cup. es are soft and their ends hang down. Small, narrow, The river tea tree is a garden variety of the original spiky leaves are densely arranged along the branches; species that grows wild along streams in Australia. these have a mild, lemony scent and pale green color. It is commonly planted in gardens in warm climates The young leaves at the ends of the branches are gold- throughout the world, either singly or in groups, to en and give the tree a shiny golden mantle. provide a contrast to the colors of garden foliage or in In late spring, soft cream-colored flowers in incon- hedges. In Israeli gardens, because it is easy to care spicuous inflorescences (clusters) shaped like short for and has a distinctive appearance, the river tea tree bottle-brushes develop at the ends of the branches. has become a hit. 154 / 155 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 1-14 2-7

Common name: Rosewood sisam hodi סיסם הודי :Hebrew name Scientific name: Dalbergia sissoo دلبيرجيا سيسو :Arabic name Family: Fabaceae (Papilionaceae)

Rosewood An erect tree that, under favorable conditions, none of the leaves fall. In spring, its small, fragrant attains considerable dimensions. The rosewood has a yellowish-cream flowers attract honeybees. After the tall trunk and wrinkled gray bark. The dark, exquisite tree blooms, small, flat pods develop. heartwood is in great demand for high-quality, In the past, rosewood was planted in groves and high-end carpentry, and the industry name for the boulevards throughout Israel, but due to improper wood – rosewood – is also the name of the tree. care and over-pruning, many of the trees withered The tree is native to northern India where, in winter, or became twisted. In contrast, rosewood trees that the tree sheds its leaves. These are pinnate with three have grown undisturbed have established themselves, to five leaflets that are round with a prominent sharp becoming large and impressive trees. At the Weizmann point. In Israel, only during especially cold winters does Institute, rosewood trees grow along the length of the tree shed all of its leaves; otherwise only some or Marcus Sieff Boulevard. 156 / 157 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 1-3 1-10 1-20 8-9 Common name: Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant tze’elon na’eh צאלון נאה :Hebrew name Scientific name: Delonix regia زهرة اجلنه :Arabic name Family: Fabaceae (Caesalpiniaceae)

Royal Poinciana One of the most beautiful trees in Israel. It is bipinnate (twice-compound) leaves have very small, prized for its lush red and orange bloom in summer; deep green leaflets. The foliage is usually shed in at its height, the tree appears to “burn” like a winter, with new leaf growth occurring late, at the flame, hence the common name, flamboyant. The end of spring. After the spectacular bloom, large tree has a wide canopied shape, reminiscent of dark, flat woody pods develop. the acacia tree of the Negev; hence the tree’s The royal poinciana is native to Madagascar, Hebrew name comes from tze’ela, the biblical where it is endangered; but as an ornamental tree name for acacia. it thrives in warm, tropical countries. It was intro- The royal poinciana’s trunk and primary branches duced into Israel in the 1920s. It grows most success- have an impressive structure, which is apparent fully in the Jordan Valley and the Arava, where it when it is bare in winter. Its root system is shallow blooms in flaming red. In other valleys and on the and sometimes protrudes above ground. Its large coastal plain, its success depends on local conditions. 158 / 159 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science Signs 1-19 9-4

Common name: Rusty Fig, Port Jackson Fig ficus chalud פיקוס חלוד :Hebrew name Scientific name: Ficus rubiginosa تني اصهب :Arabic name Family: Moraceae

Ficus Tree Dan Caspi

Another important use Rusty Fig For trees along sidewalks A large evergreen tree, notable for its dense, to the small-leaved fig, Ficus obliqua, and intermedi- Is missing from gardening manuals dark foliage. Its trunk is robust, smooth and pale. ate forms exist that blur the distinction among them. Or the municipal services list. Its leaves are oval and medium-sized; their undersides Within the Ficus genus, the rusty fig is relatively are rust colored, while their tops are smooth and slow-growing and among the least aggressive. In Tel Aviv I met green, so that the dark foliage stands out in contrast In the past, before the pollinating wasps An old man leaning on a tree. to the pale trunk. reached Israel, its unripe fruit remained small and The rusty fig is native to eastern Australia, dry, and it was often planted along streets. Today, Indeed there are no useless trees, where tiny wasps pollinate the figs that develop in it is primarily used as an ornamental tree in parks pairs among the leaves. This pollination softens and larger gardens – for shade, screening and as We both were thinking them and turns them brown. The rusty fig is similar barriers. In Yiddish and in Hebrew Under the shade of an Indian Ficus tree. 160 / 161 100 trees at the Weizmann Institute of Science