Does the sycamore tree still have fruit today as it did in biblical times?

Question:

Does the sycamore tree still have fruit today as it did in biblical times?

Answer:

There are actually several plants know as sycamore in today's world.

In the middle east region, where most of the Bible takes place, sycamore is a type of fig. Its formal name today is ficus sycomorus. They have existed in Northern Africa and in the Middle East for many thousands of years. As a result, some of these trees are very large. The more common name for the tree is a sycamore fig, sycomore fig, or a fig mulberry.

The trees do produce fruits, like other figs, but they tend to be small. Yet they are still edible and the tree is cultivated for its fruit.

The sycamore fig is mentioned in I Chronicles 27:28; Psalm 78:47; Amos 7:14; and Luke 19:4. The Hebrew name for the tree is shaqam and its Greek name is sukomoraia.

In England, sycamore is a type of maple tree (acer pseudoplatanus). In America, the sycamore is a type of plane tree (platanus occidentalis). Both of these trees produce seed, but not fruit.

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