Bible Dictionary
Sycamine tree
The sycamine tree mentioned by Jesus is generally identified with the mulberry tree. It was a familiar tree of Palestine and Syria, distinct from the sycamore-fig.
Definition
The sycamine tree is generally identified with the mulberry tree, including the black and white mulberry. It was distinct from the sycamore or fig-mulberry.
Biblical Usage
The sycamine is mentioned only in Jesus’ teaching about faith in Luke 17:6.
Historical Background
Black and white mulberry trees were common in Syria and Palestine. Their leaves fed silkworms, and raising them was an important industry among the peasantry of Lebanon and other parts of the land.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mentioned only in Luke 17:6. It is rendered by Luther “mulberry tree” (q.v.), which is most probably the correct rendering. It is found of two species, the black mulberry (Morus nigra) and the white mulberry (Mourea), which are common in Palestine. The silk-worm feeds on their leaves. The rearing of them is one of the chief industries of the peasantry of Lebanon and of other parts of the land. It is of the order of the fig-tree. Some contend, however, that this name denotes the sycamore-fig of Luke 19:4.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
is mentioned only in (Luke 17:6) There is no reason to doubt that the sycamine is distinct from the sycamore of the same evangelist. (Luke 19:4) The sycamine is the mulberry tree (Morus). Both black and white mulberry trees are common in Syria and Palestine.