Eucalyptus… A healing tree

Take a stroll beneath the majestic Eucalyptus [kafour in Arabic] and inhale deeply. You will feel your lungs opening up. A deep connection to your body with this breath will energize your whole being giving a sense of vitality and balance. This response is activated by the powerful aromatic oils found in the glands of the leaves of the tree.

Over the centuries these beneficial oils have been used in curing many respiratory problems. They are one of the main ingredients in cough medicines and ointments.

It is also thought to clear our spaces from airborne germs and bacteria; whilst planting the trees near canals and rivers allows the long roots to help filter pollutants in the water.

In Australia, the homeland of the tree where over 600 species abound, the Aboriginals are known to use it as antibacterial and anti-malarial cure to this day. The adorable Koala bear that is unique to this country feeds mainly on the young shoots of the tree. It has evolved to digest the nutrients in the nourishing leaves that can be toxic to other animals who do not have these intestinal properties.

In Egypt, we have several varieties growing by the Nile and the many canals throughout the governorates, providing shade and cleaning the air and water from pollutants. You can still see them by the side of the Giza Zoo walls. The canopy attracts flocks of Cattle Egret [Abu Erdan] coming back at sunset after helping the farmer by eating the worms in the fields. Their white feathers contrast with the dark leaves making it look very decorative. In Maadi, Eucalyptus used to line the Khashab canal where their drooping branches reflected in the water, making it a romantic background to several Arabic movies filmed there in the 1960s. They still stand over 100 years old in a now grassy median since the canal dried up. On holidays, families and friends can be seen strolling there under the shade of the eucalyptus. enjoying the fresh aroma emitted by the leaves.

The Eucalyptus can reach 100 meters in height, with thick dark or white shedding barks that can be 2 meters in diameter. The leaves are bluish grey with a waxy surface covering. The flowers vary from white yellow or pale pink. Bees feeding on their nectar make some of the highest quality honey like Manuka. Aromatherapy experts use the essential oil of the tree for powerful infusions and scents for deep relaxation and healing. The bark also provides sturdy and valuable source for lumber as well as tannins.

Stand beneath this lofty tree to be uplifted and cleansed with its magical energy.

"I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

..

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

..

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree."

Excerpt from Tree, a poem by Joyce Kilmer

Contributed by Samia Zeitoun of The Tree Lovers Association 

The Wondrous Date Tree

The month of October marks the height of the date-harvesting season which started in September.

Photos Dr Lotfy Boulos (RIP) The Street Trees of Egypt

Throughout the countryside and the many oases dotting the country, men can be seen climbing the palm trees wearing a jute belt that attaches them to the tree while using the step like cut leaves of the palm to reach to the top and pick the precious fruit.

Date palms have grown in Egypt since prehistoric times. The vivid paintings on the walls of temples clearly depict the palms, and the fruits have been found in burial grounds. Every part of the tree was used as it still is! The dried leaf stalks are used to cover roofs of buildings, create fences, weave mats, crates and baskets.

The thick fibers at the base are used in rope-making. The sturdy trunks were traditionally incorporated in columns for temples and homes.

The Phoenix Dactylifera derives from a Greek word meaning finger-shaped fruits. It has most probably originated from the North African oases.

The date palm is a marvel in terms of structure since it can withstand severe wind storms which its sturdy trunk is flexible enough to overcome.

It can rise to almost 30 meters and has feather-like leaves spanning from 5 to 7 meters. The flowers are small and white on a densely branched spandex. It is pollinated by manually spreading male pollen on the female flowers - an intricate and hard procedure but one which ensures the quality and quantity of the palm. It is propagated also by offshoots and seeds. In a good season the palm carries some 200 kilos of dates.

The tree can reach 30 meters, with beautiful feather-like leaves spanning 5-7 meters

(Photo:nilefm.com)

Date palm loves arid and warm weather... As Dr Lotfy Boulos remarks in his book The Street Trees of Egypt: “the date palm likes its feet in the water and its head in the oven.”

Although the date has high levels of sugar its glycemic index level is not high so it does not shoot up blood sugar levels. The main dates in Egypt are Zaghloul the bright red and crunchy dates, the yellow Hayani, Bahri, Rotab, Siwi, and Samani.

Date palm has been mentioned in all religious books as a holy, life sustaining tree. Dates are very nutritious and rich in Vitamin A, B1, and B2, as well as fiber, protein, iron and potassium which regulates blood pressure. It is highly recommended to eat dates on an empty stomaching to aid the digestive system.

If the reader wants further interesting facts about this tree, do refer to Warda Bircher's book The Date Palm: a Friend and Companion of Man.

Compiled by TREE LOVERS ASSOCIATION

Banyan Tree, Holy Tree

Can a tree be worshiped? 

Yes it can. In India, the heart of Hinduism, followers of this religion gather around the Banyan tree to pray for healing, fertility and happiness.

Indian Banyan Tree  (Ficus benghalensis)

They believe that the Buddha reached enlightenment, self-realization and awakening under a Banyan tree. It is said that the Buddha's tree is now 2,500 years old!

The special feature of the Ficus Benghalensis is that the branches have arial roots that grow downward to thicken the main trunk, thus gaining its name: the tree with many feet!! It assumes an almost sculptural effect, changing over the years. The tree has one of the widest canopies, providing shade in the hot climates where it is grown. In India, the Banyan leaves are protected by law so no one can cut it.

In Egypt, tree lovers can enjoy seeing several specimens, whether in the Manial Palace gardens, along the River Nile corniche near Garden city, or the famous 125-year old that thrives in Zamalek opposite the Cairo Tower.

The Banyan or Bodhi tree is known to have many medicinal properties, as it treats infections and is an effective anti-bacterial. Its sap treats external skin inflammations, while its roots can be used to strengthen the teeth.

Trees are the oldest living beings so let us get to know more about them and honor their presence amidst us.

Contributed by Samia Zeitoun, The Tree Lovers Association

Jacaranda Galore!

Jacaranda Tree by Samia Zeiton

A stroll down Maadi streets during April and May holds a special treat for Nature lovers. This is the season when the Jacaranda blooms! It bursts with color whilst carpeting the ground around it with the heavenly lavender trumpet-like blossoms.

It is said that if you walk beneath the Jacaranda and one of its flowers lands on your head you will have good fortune for the coming year. The Jacaranda tree has always inspired landscape artists to plant it. Here in Maadi, many young couples can be seen taking photographs beneath its purple canopy.

 

The name Jacaranda derives from the Brazilian name for the tree where it grows in abundance as it does in most tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is well-suited to Egypt’s climate. This tree gives a glow to the bleakest street and enhances the whole neighborhood with its splash of color. Once the flowering is over the light green fern-like leaves appear and remain there until autumn when they turn into a deep yellow before shedding. The seeds can be easily recognizable as brown and woody with two valves.

The Jacaranda is shallow-rooted, so is an excellent ornamental tree for medium- to large-sized gardens. It is also popular as a street tree requiring full sun and enough space to grow as they can reach 15 meters and just as wide. Be careful to plant it away from drains, pipes and water lines since they have a strong root system.

Care for the Jacaranda almost always includes proper pruning. This keeps the shape of the tree and prevents the weight of the tree from splitting the trunk. The branches are quite brittle so seasonal pruning is advised to keep branches from breaking. Average life span is about 50 years. Recently new varieties have appeared in smaller sizes ...they can be seen at the Festival City complex. Planted in rows they are truly breathtaking!!!

Pretoria in South Africa is known as Jacaranda City with over 70,000 trees lining their streets blooming from September to November. In Nelson Mandela,s biography The Long Walk to Freedom he writes,”those moments under the shade of the Jacaranda trees on the Vicarage lawn were the most pleasant.”

Next time you happen to be at a nursery look out for a Jacaranda and plant it with care so it can continue giving pleasure to many generations to come

Tahina or Liquid Contentment!

According to writers in the Al-Ahram’s Friday Supplememt, sesame paste or Tahina as it is known all over the Middle East would be the elixir of contentment! “Although it does not make noise like the harvest of cotton or wheat.. sesame represents a quietly contented part of our lives, whether sprinkled on the ubiquitous Ta’ameya pattie, or in liquid form, drizzled over a plate of Fava beans (ful).

Traditionally, the paste is made by grinding the sesame seeds between special stones used especially for this purpose for the last few centuries. According to article, there remain only a few traditional mills for sesame in Old Cairo (serga). The best-tasting sesame comes from Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt.

Tahina dip (photo: 21food)

The typical way Tahina is served is as a dip. You can find the paste at any Mediterranean food store.

Serves 4

¾ cup Tahina

2 tblsp Lime juice or vinegar

½ to ¾ cup Water

Salt, Cumin to taste

Start out by incorporating the lime juice or vinegar until you get a smooth paste. Add salt and cumin. Then add the water one table spoonful at a time to avoid lumps. Add enough water to reach the consistency of your choice. 

Drizzle this sauce over sandwitches (photo: mediterraneanfood)

Tahina can also be dissolved into yogurt to made a delicious sauce accompaniment (Tartour) to grilled meats and poultry. Simply add 2 tablespoons of Tahina per cup of yogurt.

Delightful Sycamore

Sycamore branches with their fruits growing directly from the branch (photo: Dr. Loutfy Boulos)

This time of the year is the peak of ripening Sycamore fruits. The Sycamore tree was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, perhaps for its ability to bear fruit all year long. It was godess Hathor’s dedicated tree, and she is pictured sprouting out of the trunk to feed the deceased and his family. The wood of the Sycamore has survived for thousands of years unchanged, from the Pharaonic era until today. It was used to make coffers, furniture and small ornate objects on display at the Egyptian Museum.

Fruits at different stages of ripening as seen from color (photo: Dr. Loutfy Boulos)

The delightful Sycamore Syrup brings all that goodness to your plate! Made from all natural ingredients, the Syrup contains no preservatives, relying on sugar content and pH for preservation. It can be used to uplift the taste of any recipe, adding a sweet, fruity flavor to meat dishes, stuffed vegetables and salad dressings.

Growing out of the tree trunk, the Goddess gives fruit and drink to the deceased in this 19th Dynasty depictiion (Tomb of Sennedjem, West Bank, Luxor; photo: touregypt)

Herbed Cucumbers and Labneh

The Mediterranean diet that Middle Easterners have enjoyed for centuries has recently made headlines in the West for its healthy features. With its variety of green, leafy vegetables, monounsaturated fats like olive oil, lots of fresh or dry fruits and juices; and a choice of non-animal protein sources from favorite pulses and whole grains, the MedDiet is increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers.

In the June 2015 issue of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine, this "Labneh with Herbed Cucumbers" recipe offers a refreshing addition to any summer meal! (The recipe below is adapted for local use.)

Ingredients (serves 6)
3 packs, 200 g     Yoghurt, drained overnight
5 pcs                     Cucumbers, medium-size, peeled & sliced
1 pc                       Shallot, sliced thin
1 bunch                Mixed fresh herbs: parsley, dill, mint, cilantro
                              and arugula/rocca (gargir), sliced thin
3 tblsp                  Olive oil              
3 loaves               Brown pita bread
Salt, white pepper & Egyptian lime juice to taste

Photo: Oprah Winfrey's O magazine

Drain yoghurt overnight in the fridge by slitting the tops and lining the packs on their side in a shallow soup dish. Peel and slice cucumbers arranging them in a bowl (if organic, no need to peel). Wash and slice all the herbs and the shallot. To ensure that herbs don't wilt, mix olive oil, salt, lime juice and herbs with cucumbers just before serving. Spread labneh on pretty salad dish, top with herbed cucumbers and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with toasted whole wheat brown pitta loaves. Voila!

Note: If no fresh mint is available, you can use dry mint, crumbled and sprinkled.