Almond (Prunus dulcis). “When Moses went into the tent of the covenant on the next day, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted. It put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.” – Numbers 17:8

The blossoming almond has become a symbol of national rejuvenation, a renewed season of Spring for the Jewish people. The almond tree blossoms before leaves grow on it, symbolizing an early fulfillment of God’s promise to the Jewish people.

These small trees were easily grown by keeping unshelled almonds in a plastic bag with moist sphagnum moss in the lower compartment of a refrigerator all winter, and they were already sprouting when they were taken out in the spring.

Anemones have been identified as one of the flowers among the “lilies of the field.” Anemones appear dead in the dry season, but burst into bloom during the rainy season. Jesus uses anemones to teach the people to trust that God will provide for them in His time. God will not abandon them.

Also called "poppy anemone" because its brilliant red flowers resemble those of poppies. Ours are a horticultural variety with red flowers. In the fall, corms can be purchased at garden centers.

“Who hath appointed the earth a resting-place for you, and the sky a canopy; and causeth water to pour down from the sky, thereby producing fruits as food for you. And do not set up rivals to Allah when ye know (better).” – Qur’an II:22

The apples referred to in the Bible have recently been speculated as apricots. This includes the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge and Evil from which Adam and Eve ate. In the Qur’an, fruits have been sources of food from Allah, and therefore should be regarded as gifts from God. This in turn influences Muslims to put Allah first above other gods because he has given them these gifts.

Moses was placed in an ark of bulrushes to be saved from the genocide of male babies in Egypt. It is also known as papyrus, which is the ancient form of paper.

Growing along shores of the Nile, this is the source of papyrus, the original paper.

The caper is a symbol of man’s life. His youth generates energy, advances in society, and protects himself and his property. This is much like the beginning of a caperbush’s life. Then, at the end of the season, the caperbush is thorny, and lifeless, much like a man ages and turns into a lifeless being and to their eternal home in heaven.

The people of Israel ate these bitter herbs, chicory, while on the escape from Egypt to the Promised Land. They were also eaten at the first Passover meal. These herbs were most likely eaten as digestive aids necessary for good intestinal bacteria and health.

Common Fig (Ficus carica). “And they came to the Wadi Eschol, and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them. They also brought some pomegranates and figs.” – Numbers 13:23

The picking of the figs created an unwritten pact between the fruit trees and the Hebrews. Fig trees can be found all over the region and their fruit can be picked almost year round.

“By the Fig and the Olive, and the Mount of Sinai, and this City of Security, - We have indeed created man in the best of moulds.” – Qur’an XCV:1-4

Figs and olives are mentioned because they are both highly useful fruits. It is placed at the same sanctity as Moses receiving the Divine Summons and the City of Security (Mecca) where Mohammed delivered the message of Islam.

Commercial varieties of this species include ‘Smyrna,’ and ‘Calimyrna,’ and some varieties well suited for Texas are ‘Brown Turkey,’ ‘Celeste,’ and ‘Alma.’ Our tree came from the San Antonio Botanical Garden, and more than tripled its height the first year.

Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum). “For, ‘All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” – 1 Peter 1:24-25

Corn Marigold is referred to in the Bible as one of the common flowers among the “flowers of the field.” Men’s glory is like the flowers in the field, it is short lived and tapers off. However, the Lord’s glory is infinite and strong. The marigold is also known as the shorter version of the crown daisy.

A common wild flower in the Holy Land, this species must be one of the “flowers of the field” mentioned in the scriptures: Isaiah 40:6; James 1:10; and I Peter 1:24-25. Our seeds came from England. See the taller crown daisy below.