A Review of Botanical, Ecological and Utilitarian Aspects of Woody Plants Mentioned in the Bible That May Facilitate Establishing Biblical Gardens in Urban Space

Woody plants are integral to the ecological and cultural context of the ancient Near East. Biblical references to trees reflect both their practical uses and their symbolic significance. This is a systematic review focused specifically on botanical affiliation, geographical origin and natural habitat type and the cultivation potential of 97 woody species in temperate urban environments, important to ancient economy, culture and religion and consistently identified by scholars in biblical texts. The study applies a multifaceted methodological framework that integrates i.a. textual analysis, literature review and 20 years of horticultural observations. Moreover, the historical utility of these species was studied based on interpreting Bible quotes and comparative multilingual analysis of biblical texts. Analyzed woody plant species represent 36 botanical families, over 50% native to Ancient Palestine. About 18.6% were cultivated by humans, the rest grew in various habitats. Biblical sources revealed 17 uses, with many species having symbolic, practical, or multiple roles. Further, 32% of the species discussed can be grown directly in the soil in temperate climate, while 52.5% require container cultivation. Additionally, 15.5% of the species are hard to cultivate and thus not recommended for Biblical gardens. The content presented also provides valuable insights that may support the development of Biblical gardens within urban environments worldwide.