Ancient seed discovery
A seed, believed to date back between 993 AD and 1202, has grown into a 10-foot-tall tree nearly 1,000 years after it came into existence. Found in the Judean Desert between the West Bank and Israel in the 1980s, the seed is thought to belong to a lineage of trees mentioned in the Bible.
The tree, named “Sheba” after the biblical queen, took 14 years to grow. Scientists suspect it may belong to an extinct species that once thrived in modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
Healing powers of the tree
Scientists believe the tree could be the source of tsori (meaning balm), a resin mentioned in the Bible known for its healing properties. There is also speculation that the tree may be related to the Commiphora species, which produces fragrant resins believed to be linked to the biblical “Balm of Gilead.”
Initially, researchers hypothesized that “Sheba” could be a candidate for the historical “Judean balsam.” However, they refuted this idea as the tree lacks aromatic properties.
Anti-cancer properties
Sheba has shown promising medicinal potential. Chemical analysis of its leaves reveals that the tree contains active compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Additionally, its stems and leaves have antioxidant and skin-smoothing qualities.
Scientists believe that “Sheba” could represent an extinct or extirpated lineage once native to the region, whose resin tsori was valued for its healing abilities, though not known for its fragrance.
Connection to Biblical compounds
After conducting DNA, chemical, and radiocarbon analyses, researchers found that the tree is related to the family of myrrh and frankincense, compounds mentioned in the Bible and associated with Jesus.
Can more ancient trees be grown?
Despite being linked to nearly 200 living plant species, scientists are still unclear about the exact species of the Sheba plant. In the 14 years since its growth, the tree has yet to flower or produce any reproductive material for further study. Scientists suggest that there remains a possibility that the Judean balsam may survive as an unidentified Commiphora species.