It is popularly known as the Judas tree because an ancient myth tells that, Judas Iscariot, after betraying Jesus Christ, hanged himself on one of these trees. It is probably a corruption of the common French name, arbre de Judée, in allusion to the region of Judea where it occurs. Another tradition mentions the shape of the seed pods hanging from the tree when the leaf is lost, which could look similar to a hanged man.
It is also known as the “Tree of Love”, because of the beautiful color of its flowers, but especially because of the heart-shaped leaves.
Others names are algarrobo loco, nandumbu, arjorán, ciclamor común or siclamor.
Its translation
English: Judas tree
Français: Arbre de Judée
Properties
The leaf has a spicy flavor and can be eaten in salads. Its fruits have been used in traditional medicine as astringents. Its bark is used for headaches and colds.