Cercis siliquastrum

803_1349 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 

Cercis siliquastrum is one of the most beautiful and impressive trees of Greek nature.

It reaches a height of 8-10 meters and blooms in March and April.

With its pink-purple flowers that appear in early spring,

it transforms the gray winter landscape into a wonderful feast of color.

It flourishes both in Semi-mountainous environments and in residential areas.

 

 

303_7005 [Cercis siliquastrum]

Its thousands of small flowers grow directly

from the trunk and the branches.

 

 

803_1350 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 The flowers, combined with the green leaves which appear at a later time,

compose a beautiful "mosaic" of nature.

 

 

804_2621 [Cercis siliquastrum]

  

Arranged in clusters, the flowers cover any free space available

on the trunk and the branches.

 

 

804_2707 HF [Cercis siliquastrum]

 A cluster of flowers in isolation.

 

 

804_2621 [Cercis siliquastrum]

The flowers slightly magnified for details to be visible

 

  

 

804_2633 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 

 

A single flower: 2 cm in length + the stalk

 

It could be seen as one of the tesserae

that compose the mosaic of nature mentioned above.

 

By the way,

the beautiful tree Cercis siliquastrum is connected to an old legend.

According to the story,

Judas—the disciple who betrayed Christ—

felt deep regret for what he had done

and hanged himself from a tree of Cercis siliquastrum.

For this reason,

people often call this tree the “Judas Tree.”

 

Majestic trees 2

Cercis siliquastrum

803_1349 [Cercis siliquastrum]

Cercis siliquastrum is another notable example of majestic trees in the area of the Holy Trinity [see previous post].
It might not be as big as Quercus but it is admittedly more colorful with its beautiful flowers. [See below.] 

803_1342 [Cercis siliquastrum]

 This tree is found in the wild but it is also cultivated for its beautiful flowers.

Both pictures were photographed on Mt. Parnitha on April 12, 2018
 
Please click on the pictures for a better view.