Scientists revived a thousand-year-old biblical tree from a seed found in a cave (photo)

Scientists have managed to grow a tree from a thousand-year-old seed found in a cave in the Judean Desert, which may belong to an extinct species with healing properties. This discovery may have biblical roots, as such a tree is mentioned in sacred texts.

The seed, which was found in the 1980s, was found to be more than 1,000 years old after detailed radiocarbon dating. It belongs to the genus Commiphora, a family that includes trees known for their aromatic resins. These trees used to grow in the South Levant region, covering modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, according to ancient-origins.net.

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The tree that grew from this seed and was named "Sheba" reached almost three meters in height. Scientists are conducting research to determine its exact origin and properties. Although it was initially speculated that it could be a historical Jewish balm, due to the lack of aromatic compounds, this theory was rejected.

Instead, the researchers believe the tree may be an example of the biblical "tzori," a valuable resin mentioned in the books of Genesis, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel and used for medicinal purposes. The chemical analysis of the tree revealed a high content of pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties.

Historians and archaeologists continue to study how the seeds could have ended up in the cave. One theory is that it could have been brought in by animals, or it could have been deliberately preserved by people as a valuable commodity.

Earlier, we told you that a "genie seal" was found in Jerusalem .

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