Sycamore Fig Tree, Ficus Sycamorus
Since antiquity figs have been a staple in the Egyptian diet. Shown here is the magnificent Sycamore fig tree which grows throughout the region and is a hardy evergreen. It can reach a height of 20 meters and does not have special needs for water or soil. Many references to gods, goddesses, tombs, temples are found in ancient texts.
One quite lovely quote comes from the Book of the Dead, Knowing the Souls of the East, chapter 109:
“I know the two turquoise sycamores where Rê leaves; they guard the Heights-of-Chou, (ancient Atlantian names!); this is the door of the Lord of the East, by which Rê-Horakhty, the star of the morning, leaves.”
There are many varieties of figs including this syconium shown above. Of the many uses of figs, tree sap, and seeds, the most colorful is that physicians often used the seeds for setting bones and the fruit for injuries after the bite of a hippo.