Legume/Pea family, Fabaceae
Origin: the eastern Mediterranean, Iraq and Iran
Habitat in the original area: forest edges, low shrubs on stony and rocky slopes
Habitus: It is a shrub or small tree growing up to the height of 10 metres. The bark is brown-grey and wrinkled.
Leaf: The leaves grow alternately. They are petiolate, round in shape with a heart-shaped base.
Bloom, fruit: It blooms from March to May (before the leaves appear). Pink blossoms grow in clusters (consisting of 3–7 of them) directly from the branches and the trunk (so called cauliflory). The fruit is a flat pod with numerous seeds.
Interesting fact: The English name “Judas Tree” refers to the biblical Judas, who, according to a legend, hanged himself on this tree after betraying Jesus. The French name “Arbre de Judée” (Judaean tree) refers to Judea, the area of its habitat. In the Mediterranean, the blossoms and pods are used in cooking because of their spicy flavour.
