Cultivation of the 'Lost Tree' from the Bible from a Thousand-Year-Old Seed

Scientists have succeeded in cultivating a tree mentioned in the Bible using a mysterious thousand-year-old seed discovered in a cave near Jerusalem. This tree, whose resin is referred to in biblical texts as 'Tzori,' was highly valued in the ancient world for its multiple uses in perfumery, incense, cataract treatment, embalming materials, and antidotes. The seed of this tree, approximately two centimeters long, was discovered in the late 1980s in a cave in the Judean Desert in eastern Israel. Dating indicates that this seed is between 993 and 1202 AD. After years of effort, researchers have cultivated a sapling they named 'Sheba.' DNA analysis has shown that this tree belongs to a unique species of the balsam family from the genus Balsamodendron; a family of trees that is widespread in Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula and is known for its aromatic resins. Researchers believe that the 'Sheba' tree may be the same as 'Balm of Gilead,' which was exclusively cultivated in the desert region of southern Levant during biblical times. The 'Balm of Gilead' is widely described in texts from the Hellenistic, Roman-Byzantine periods, and after the classical era, between the 4th century BC and the 8th AD. Despite its high value, it seems that the 'Balm of Gilead' disappeared from the Levant region in the 9th century AD. A new DNA study suggests that the 'Sheba' tree may have been used in ancient times as a base for grafting the legendary 'Balm of Gilead' tree. Researchers stated, 'Grafting may explain why balsam seeds have not been identified in archaeological sites.' They found that the leaves of this sapling contain biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers added, 'Sheba, an unknown species of balsam with a unique genetic identity, may represent an extinct biological array that was once native to this region.' This sapling has not yet produced flowers or fruit; researchers hope that with the emergence of flowers and fruit, they can make a better comparison with modern species. They speculate that the current growth environment of this tree may not be suitable for its flowering and reproduction. Researchers stated, 'Despite these limitations, the germination of an ancient balsam seed from the Judean Desert provides, for the first time, evidence of its presence in this region about a thousand years ago and may be related to a native tree or shrub whose valuable resin use is mentioned in the Bible.' This new research also emphasizes the importance of reviving species that may have been significant to ancient cultures.