Happy springtime! Happy Palm Sunday!

Published 11:00 am Sunday, March 20, 2016

“May the spirit of this holy occasion, the warmth of the season make your heart bloom with joy and happiness, have a blessed Palm Sunday.” Unknown.

Today is the first day of spring, as well as Palm Sunday which marks Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. The weather has been on a warming trend for a few weeks with a touch of cooler moments. The cooler air will soon be behind us as Easter is only a week away. As you continue to enjoy this pleasant weather, here is some information on some plants which are associated with the Easter season for your reading pleasure and learning desires. Happy springtime! Happy Palm Sunday!

Many plants are associated with Easter and the Passion of Jesus Christ. In this season, we are reminded of the wood of the cross and the plant of the crown of thorns that serve emblematically with our Saviour. Even so, no one really knows for sure what wood was used for the cross or what plant was used to make the crown of thorns.

Two South American plants that were given religious significance by the Christian missionaries are the Crucifix orchid (Epidendrum ibaguense) and the Scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea). The Crucifix orchid has long, thin stems and leathery leaves with flowers that bloom in clusters of orange, red, mauve, purple, salmon and yellow colors.

The Crucifix orchid’s name comes from the shape of the labellum (lip of the flower) which resembles a small, gold cross. These orchids are tough, easily propagated, easy to grow and exhibit vibrant, long-lived flowers. They can be grown in containers or in the soil in a frost-free climate in full sun.

The scarlet passion flower (Passiflora coccinea) is a strong growing, evergreen climber with dark green, crinkly leaves and scarlet red flowers. It is cultivated for its large, bright flowers which peak in the summer and fall. Most people consider the passion flower as the ultimate symbol of the crucifixion.

The stigma (female part of the flower) is divided into three units thus resembling the three nails. The five stamens (male part of the flower) are thought to represent the five wounds Jesus received in the hands, feet and side. The corona (the structure at the base just above the petals) represents the crown of thorns. The ten red petals are thought to represent ten of the disciples, omitting Peter (who denied Jesus) and Judas (who betrayed Jesus). And, the leaves and tendrils of the vine represent the hands and whips of the enemy who tormented Jesus.

Other plants that offer Easter connections include the flowering dogwood, redbud, palm trees, and lilies. According to legend, dogwoods once grew as very large trees and were used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. One account is that Jesus recognized the dogwood suffering from being used for such a purpose and declared that the tree would henceforth have small, crooked branches so that it could not be used that way again. Other symbolic features of the dogwood tree are the white bracts shaped like a cross with a brownish-red spot in the center of each that represents Jesus’ blood. And, the cluster of tiny flowers in the center look like a crown of thorns. Ironically, of the 80 plus plants listed in the Bible, the dogwood is not one of them.

Also, the redbud (the Judas tree) is not mentioned in the Bible, but the Mediterranean species of this tree is associated with the hanging of Judas Iscariot. Following legend, the redbud trees turn red in the spring as a result of either the blushing (shame) from the Crucifixion of Christ or as weeping tears of blood at the consequence of Judas.

The palm is mentioned throughout the Bible and has significance at Easter time. Palm fronds are distributed to various congregations on Palm Sunday in reference to the date palm fronds that were placed in front of Jesus’ donkey when he entered Jerusalem. Palm fronds were also used in such manner for many victorious rulers in biblical days.

The Easter lily is associated with Easter but without biblical connections. It is simply an agreeable commercial enterprise since it is native to the Ryukyu Islands (between Japan and Taiwan) and was not found in the Middle East. In modern times, most Easter lilies are produced from Oregon to California and are placed in many churches across this nation at Easter time. Thus, they have become very symbolic of the season in many people’s minds which provides much satisfaction and enjoyment.

Other Easter-related plants include the Easter bell (Stellaria holostea), a hardy perennial herb with white, showy flowers. Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) is a favorite house plant closely related to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus. And Easter daisy (Townsendia exscapa) is a rosette perennial herb with white to purple flowers.

The Easter cactus is similar to the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus with the main difference being in the time of the bloom (thus the names) and leaf characteristics. The Easter cactus requires a dry period from October to November since very little water is required for flower bud initiation. Also, it should be placed in a cool area under shorter light periods during this time. Then, in December, adjust the temperature to approximately 65 degrees and water conservatively. Following these tactics, the Easter cactus will begin blooming in March.

Pine trees begin growing in the spring and the new growth can appear in the form of a crucifix or cross (late March to early April about Easter-time). The species, the local weather and its geographical location determine if the pine tree will produce shoots in the form of a crucifix. The species of pine trees reported in producing shoots in the form of crosses include the loblolly, ponderosa, Scotch and white pines.

The crown of thorns which was placed on the head of Jesus is thought to have been the thorny burnet in the rose family. It is found in throughout Jerusalem and in other regions of the Mediterranean. Its branches bend easily and it develops branching thorns at the end of its canopy which supports these thoughts.

The temptation in plant selection can be very obvious during such seasons as Easter. As you commit to the effort and cost of spring purchasing and planting of flowers and plants in your home landscape, please also commit to providing the necessary care to keep them healthy and attractive. Continue to think in terms of native and sustainable plants. It’s springtime, so get outside and enjoy your early spring gardening and activities!

Many thanks to all who read this column which is an effort to provide each reader with timely and useful information. It is a small contribution on my part in “paying it forward” to my readers. In keeping with this thought, many of you know that we are planning a mission trip to the Peru this summer. We are currently raising funds to help finance this mission trip (discipleship journey). If you feel led to do so and would like to donate to this cause, please make a check payable to Heritage Church and mail to Eddie Seagle, Peru Mission Team, 108 Tallokas Circle, Moultrie, GA 31788. We would appreciate your prayers for a safe journey as well, and many thanks to each of you.

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” Philippians 3:17.