Cercis siliquastrum

Cercis siliquastrum , commonly known as the Judas tree or Judas-tree, is a small deciduous tree in the flowering plant family Fabaceae which is noted for its prolific display of deep pink flowers in spring. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia. This species forms a small tree up to 12 m (39 ft) in height and 10 m (32 ft) in width. The deep pink flowers are produced on year-old or older growth, including the trunk, in spring. They have five free petals and fused sepals, a flower shape typical of much of the pea family (Fabaceae). The leaves appear shortly after the first flowers emerge. These are cordate with a blunt apex and occasionally have a shallow notch at the tip. The tree produces long flat pods that hang vertically. The flowers are edible and reportedly have a sweet and tart taste. The species was first described by Linnaeus in 1753 and he gave it the specific epithet of siliquastrum which is derived from the Latin word siliqua, meaning "pod". The generic name comes from the Greek kerkis, a "shuttle", which refers to the resemblance shown to this weaver's tool by the flat, woody seedpods. There are several varieties and subspecies including:- var. hebecarpa Bornm. nothosubsp. yaltikirii (Ponert) Govaerts var. siliquastrum var. alba Weston The flowers are pollinated by bees, which are attracted by nectar. Pollen from the protruding stamens is deposited on the bee's body and carried to another flower's stigma. In Israel the tree has a status of a protected plant. British journalist Francis McCullagh reported seeing "innumerable" flowering specimens of this tree in Yildiz Park in Istanbul in April 1909. The species prefers deep, well-drained soils and a position in full sun or partial shade. Cultivars include: 'Afghan Deep Purple' 'Alba' - white flowers 'Bodnant' 'Carnea' 'Fructa Rubra' 'Penduliflora' 'Rubra' - dark pink-purple flowers 'Sterilis' 'Variegata' 'White Swan' The cultivar 'Bodnant' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. (confirmed 2017). The tre...