What is a…
sycamore

also known as: sycomore or Sycamore-fig (Ficus sycomorus)

Hebrew: —transliteration: shikmoth and shikmim

Greek: σῡκόμορος (sykómoros or sycomoros)

The name is derived from the Ancient Greek word σῡκόμορος (sykómoros) meaning “fig-mulberry”.

This is a tree which in its general characteristics resembles the fig-tree, while its leaves resemble those of the mulberry; hence it is called the fig-mulberry (Ficus sycomorus).

At Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore-tree to see Jesus as he passed by (Luke 19:4).

This tree was easily destroyed by frost (Psalm 78:47 KJV), and therefore it is found mostly in the “vale” (1 Kings 10:27 KJV; 2 Chronicles 1:15 KJV: in both passages the Revised King James Version has properly “lowland”), i.e., the “low country,” the shephelah, where the climate is mild.

Amos (Amos 7:14 KJV) refers to its fruit, which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24:2 KJV).

This tree is not be confused with the sycamore trees of Europe and North America (the Acer pseudo-platanus), which is a species of maple sometimes called a plane-tree.

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Article Version: October 23, 2025