Salvia
There are many varieties of sage, Salvia sp. which are native to the Mediterranean region. Bible scholars believe that Salvia judaica served as the model for the temple lampstand described in Exodus 37:17-18. This was a wild species in the Holy Lands and is very difficult to find today.
Salvia officinalis is the herb form from Southern Europe. It grows as a perennial in the south but is an annual in zones 3-5. The leaves are used in whole or crushed form to season many foods. Salvia horminum, called Clary Sage, is a colorful annual sage from the Mediterranean area.
Sorrel
Sorrel, Rumex acestosella, is one of the bitter herbs used by Egyptians. It most likely was included in the bitter herbs of the Passover meal (Exodus 9:25). Egyptians mix it with vinegar or other condiments and serve it in a community bowl. People dip their bread in this mixture. It is native to the Eurasia continent and is now common through North America.
Watercress
Watercress, Nasturtium officinale, is believed to be the plant talked about in Deuteronomy 32:2. It is a native of Europe and Asia and now grows worldwide along riverbanks, streams, and other moist soils. It can be grown in sprouters.
Wild Gourds
In II Kings 4:39-41, we find the story of Elisha and his sons eating pottage described as "death in the pot". Botanists believe this reference was to the poisonous wild gourd called colocynth , (Citrullus colocynthis). This gourd is related to the watermelon. It is a gourd that stays green even in times of severe drought and is the source for a cathartic medicine called colocynth. Seeds of this gourd would be difficult to find but another type of gourd can be substituted to represent the gourd family. I would not advise planting this even if seeds were found. We want to encourage children to learn about Bible plants and they have too much difficulty knowing what to taste and what not to taste!
Until next week, good gardening to you!
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