As March comes to a close this year, we have realized the month as being a most unique one as temps fluctuated from day to day and week to week. But, one thing is for sure, spring is here and the temps will slowly rise as we near Easter day.

Today is Palm Sunday which marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. As Easter approaches, here are some plants with an Easter significance in our culture. Happy Palm Sunday!

Many plants are often 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 10 red petals are thought to represen 10 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.

Seagle is a Sustainability Associate, Golf Environment Organization (Scotland), Agronomist and Horticulturalist, CSI: Seagle (Consulting Services International), Professor Emeritus and Honorary Alumnus (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College), Distinguished Professor for Teaching and Learning (University System of Georgia) and Short Term Missionary (Heritage Church, Moultrie). Direct inquiries to csi_seagle @yahoo.com.