Sycamine

The sycamine tree (Greek: συκάμινος sykaminοs)[1] is a tree mentioned in both classical Hebrew literature (Isaiah 9:10;[2] Mishnah Demai 1:1,[3] et al.) and in Greek literature.

The bricks are fallen, but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but cedars will we put in their place.

[6]The trees were once very common along the lowlands and coastal plains of Israel.

[8] The sycamine is a deciduous to semi-deciduous tree and sheds its fruit in a prolific manner, by reason of which the Sages of Israel prohibited a Jewish planter from planting such trees within the radius of 50 cubits from his neighbor's cistern.

[10] Another species of sycamine endemic to the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia and Yemen is Ficus vasta.