I’ve recently been reading the Book of Enoch and came across something very interesting to me: the pictures of evergreen trees.
Let’s deal with the big problem right away: the Book of Enoch isn’t your typical Bible. You won’t find it in Catholic or most Protestant Bibles. But it’s an important part of the Ethiopian Christian Bible, and pieces of it were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls!
Whether you see it as divinely inspired or an ancient text of wisdom, it’s undeniably intriguing. If your interest is piqued, you can check out a full translation by Professor Michael A. Knibb over at Andy McCracken’s site (thebookofenoch. org), available in both HTML and PDF formats.
Here’s the interesting part: Wikipedia lists exactly fourteen tree families as Evergreen. Are the events that happened by chance or did the people who wrote the Book of Enoch know a lot more than we think? Many scholars believe it was written in the second century BC.
It’s not clear if the trees described in the Book of Enoch are the same ones we’re talking about, but the similarities are too strong to be mistaken for chance. Let’s call it speculative but with decent grounds.
To better understand these references, let’s look at the family names of these trees and figure out what they mean in everyday language. This method might help us understand the interesting link between the trees in our world and those in this old book.
The Aquifoliaceae family is best known for its most famous member, the holly tree. The evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs are known for their shiny leaves and bright red berries, which are often a sign of winter cheer.
As autumn approaches and the leaves start to change color, it marks the beginning of deciduous trees preparing for winter dormancy. However, while most trees shed their leaves in winter, there are some that manage to keep their foliage all year round. These evergreen trees provide color when everything else is bare.
Evergreen trees, as the name suggests, are trees that retain their leaves or needles throughout the year. There are over 700 species of evergreen trees that occur naturally in various parts of the world. Here are 14 of the most popular evergreen trees that never lose their leaves:
1. Magnolia
Magnolia trees are one of the most ancient flowering plants on earth, around 100 million years old. There are over 200 species of magnolia, mostly native to southeast Asia. Some popular ones include the Southern magnolia, with its large, fragrant white flowers, and the Star magnolia, which has white star-shaped flowers. Magnolias are broadleaf evergreens, keeping their waxy leaves all year.
2. Olive
Olive trees are short, twisted trees best known for their fruit and oil. But they are also grown ornamentally for their silvery green foliage. Native to the Mediterranean region olive trees are very hardy and drought tolerant. Once established they require little care. Olives can live for hundreds of years. The olive tree is considered a symbol of peace and wisdom.
3. Laurel
Laurel trees are flowering broadleaf evergreens from the Mediterranean, The most popular are the European bay laurel and the Portuguese laurel, They produce aromatic leaves used for seasoning food Laurels can grow into large trees or pruned into shrubs and hedges They have dark green leathery leaves and small flowers,
4. Holly
Best known for their use in Christmas decorations, holly trees never lose their spiny, waxy leaves. They produce red berries that attract birds. There are over 400 species of holly native to most temperate and tropical regions. Common types include the American holly and the European holly. Hollies thrive in moist, acidic soil. The wood is hard and is used to make furniture.
5. Cork Oak
The cork oak tree as the name suggests, has thick spongy bark that is harvested to produce cork products. It is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa. Cork oak is an erect tree with a dense crown. It can live for over 200 years. Its leaves are dark green on top and downy white underneath. Cork oak forests support a rich diversity of wildlife.
6. Bamboo
Technically a grass, bamboo has woody stems that function as trunks, qualifying it as a tree. Bamboo foliage ranges from feathery leaves to spiky flat leaves, depending on species. But all bamboo keeps its leaves in winter. Bamboo grows rapidly, with some species capable of growing almost 4 feet in a single day. It is durable and strong yet flexible. Bamboo has many uses, like building materials, textiles, paper, and food.
7. Palm
Palm trees are iconic tropical plants recognizable by their long straight trunks, large fan leaves, and coconut fruits. There are over 2,600 species of palms adapted to diverse environments worldwide. Palms in temperate climates may lose old leaves in winter but quickly replace them. Popular palms include the date palm, coconut palm, queen palm, and pygmy date palm.
8. Banana
Banana plants are large herbaceous perennials, not technically trees. But their tree-like trunks formed by tightly packed leaf stalks qualify them as evergreens. Bananas are native to Southeast Asia and Australia but cultivated in most tropical regions. The fast-growing plants produce bunches of edible sweet bananas. When the fruit is harvested, the plant is cut down, but new shoots emerge from the base.
9. Pine
Pine trees are coniferous evergreens with needles instead of leaves. They are the largest group of conifers, with over 100 species worldwide. Pines have long straight trunks and pyramidal-shaped crowns. Popular pines used ornamentally include mugo pine, Scotch pine, and white pine. Pines are also commercially grown for timber and paper pulp. Pine trees can live for hundreds of years.
10. Spruce
Like pine, spruce trees are conifers with needle-like leaves and cones instead of flowers. They are distinguished from pine by their short, stiff, square-shaped needles. There are over 30 species of spruce native to northern temperate regions. Popular ones include the Norway spruce and the Colorado blue spruce. Spruce wood is used to make paper and musical instruments like guitars and pianos.
11. Cedar
Cedar trees are conifers in the pine family, identifiable by their layered, scale-like leaves. There are many species of cedar suited to different climates, ranging from large timber trees to small ornamental trees. Some popular ones are the Atlas cedar, western redcedar, and eastern redcedar. Cedar foliage releases a distinctive aroma. The rot-resistant wood is used for outdoor furniture and paneling.
12. Cypress
Cypress trees are conifers with small leaves and rounded cones. They thrive in wet conditions that would rot other woods. Cypress trees have knobby trunks and knees that protrude from their roots. There are 16 species, including the Monterey cypress and Italian cypress used ornamentally, and the bald cypress native to southern US swamps. Cypress lumber is valued for its durability.
13. Live Oak
The live oak is an unusual oak tree that retains its leaves year-round. It is native to southeastern US coastal regions. The live oak develops a sprawling canopy and an irregular trunk when mature. Its lumber is strong and rot-resistant. Live oaks are symbols of strength and resilience. Many famous live oaks are hundreds of years old.
14. Lemon
Lemon trees are small flowering evergreens that produce the familiar acidic yellow fruit. They require a warm, tropical climate to thrive. The leaves are dark green, oval with winged tips. Native to Asia, lemons are now grown worldwide. They can be grown indoors as potted plants. Lemons produce fruit and fragrant flowers at the same time. The juice and zest are widely used to flavor food and drinks.
This covers some of the most popular trees that retain their foliage in winter when everything else is bare. They add flavor, fragrance, color, and texture to gardens and landscapes when it’s needed most. Evergreen trees provide shelter and food for wildlife when other resources are scarce. They serve as striking symbols of perseverance through difficult times.
Esoteric Traditions of the Holly Tree
In various esoteric traditions, the wood of the Holly Tree is believed to carry protective qualities. This stone is often used to make wands, staffs, and other ritual tools that are used for protection, dream magic, and spiritual strength. Because wood is linked to the Holly tree, which is a symbol of strength and safety, it is a good choice for these kinds of uses. The tree is often associated with strength, protection, and the balancing of masculine and feminine energies.
The word “Hollywood,” which is famously used to refer to the American film and media industry, has a huge impact on culture and social norms today. “Hollywood” as an entity wields a comparable influence in shaping narratives, trends, and ideals in modern society. If you look at the industry like a tree, its roots go deep into modern life and its branches reach across cultures and communities around the world, changing how we see, understand, and interact with the world around us. In the story of King Arthur, the Druid wizard Merlin is said to have used a wand made of Holly wood. .
Araucariaceae Tree Family in Folklore and Legend
The Monkey Puzzle tree, native to South America holds cultural importance among the indigenous Mapuche people. In Mapuche mythology, these trees are sacred and are often found near religious sites.
Trees That Never Lose Their Leaves! | Science for Kids
FAQ
What type of tree never loses its leaves?
What trees hold their leaves in winter?
Which type of tree stays green all year?
What trees lose all their leaves at the same time each year?
Which tree does not lose its leaves?
One example of a tree that doesn’t lose its leaves is the pine tree. Pines are evergreen conifers that are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They have needle-like leaves that are covered in a waxy coating to help prevent water loss.
Do all trees lose their leaves every year?
All trees renew themselves by losing and regaining foliage. However, they don’t all do it at the same time or rate. The process is difficult to notice among conifer and broadleaf evergreens, which appear green year round. In contrast, most deciduous hardwoods drop all leaves annually in autumn.
Do evergreen trees lose their leaves?
While evergreen trees do not lose their leaves in the same way as deciduous trees, they still undergo seasonal changes. In the autumn, many evergreens produce new leaves, which can be a striking contrast to their older foliage. Some species also experience leaf drop or marcescence, where leaves remain on the tree but turn brown and dry.
How many trees do not lose their foliage in the winter?
SweetSop/ Cherimoya/Custard apple (three names for the same tree) In these seven years I have only learned three. Q: What are the 14 trees that do not lose their foliage in the winter? Write your answer Still have questions? How many trees do not lose foliage? The earth’s largest living tree.? Here is a link a webpage about the largest tree.