Ziziphus lotus is often regarded as the
lotus tree of
Greek mythology. It is thought to be referenced in the
Odyssey, consumed by the Lotus-Eaters as a
narcotic to induce peaceful
apathy. A sacred lotus tree planted near the
temple of Vulcan in Rome was said to have been planted by
Romulus, who is said to have been a contemporary of the composer[s] of the
Odyssey (8th century BCE); it was still standing some 700 years later, in the time of
Pliny the Elder. In Arabic-speaking regions,
Ziziphus lotus, and alternatively
Ziziphus jujuba, are closely associated with the
lote-trees (
sidr) which are mentioned in the
Quran, while in
Palestine, it is rather
Ziziphus spina-christi that is called
sidr. Elsewhere in the Arab world, the European and
Chinese jujubes are also associated with the lote-trees (
sidr). The 19th century English explorer
Richard Burton reported seeing an ancient
sidr tree in the mosque containing the
Prophet Muhammad's tomb in
Medina. It was in a garden dedicated to the prophet's daughter,
Fatima. The fruit from the tree was being sold to pilgrims and its leaves used for washing dead bodies. ==See also==