SYCAMORE
(Heb. “shikmah”; Gr. “sykomoros”, “sykomorea”). This tree, of the genus of fig trees, was abundant in the plain of Judea (1 Kings 10:27; 1 Chron. 27:28; 2 Chron. 1:15; 9:27); It was also in the Jordan Valley (Lk. 19:4). The Egyptians cultivated it (Ps. 78:47).
The sycamore, of lower quality than the cedar, nevertheless served as wood for carpentry (Is. 9:9). It is the “Ficus sycomorus”, similar to the fig tree. It measures from 7 to 15 m. high and about 18 m. cup diameter.
The leaves are cordate and hairy on the underside. It is frequently planted along roads, where it provides pleasant shade (cf. Luke 19:4).
The fruits grow in clusters on small branches that emerge directly from the trunk, and on thick branches. This tree should not be confused with the pseudoplantain sycamore, a species of maple (“Acer pseudoplatanus”).