Cercis siliquastrum L. – Family: Fabaceae

General Characteristics

A deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall, with dark bark and a spherical crown.

The leaves are deciduous, alternate, heart-shaped, up to 13 cm long, smooth, and darker green on the upper surface.

The flowers are grouped in racemose inflorescences, emerging directly from the trunk. The calyx is purple and bell-shaped; the corolla is papilionaceous with red-violet petals.

The fruits are linear pods, up to 15 cm long, purple when mature, dehiscent; flowering occurs before the leaves appear.

USES

The wood is used for its dyeing properties.

The plant is also cultivated in parks and gardens.

CURIOSITIES

According to a legend, this is the tree where Judas hanged himself.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

A native species of the eastern Mediterranean region; naturalized in the rest of the Mediterranean.