The Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), the tree belongs to the Fabaceae family.
The Judas Tree is a small tree up to 10 meters of hight and it grows slow. It thrives in sunny areas but is also quite resistant to cold.
The tree is famous for its beautiful deep pink flowers that blossom in the spring. The hart shaped flowers has a special way of blossoming because they blossom straight from the bark. Lately this three has been more common in urban areas because of its capacity of cleaning the air from air pollution (smog). It also grows wild and can be seen throughout the coast of Amalfi.
According to tradition is called "Judas tree" because a medieval tragic legend explain that Judas when he was overwhelmed by remorse for betraying Jesus he hang himself from one of these trees.
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Notes
Alberto Frisia, Schegge botaniche e letterarie, editrice Uni Service, 2011
Valbonesi, Archivio botanico e biogeografico italiano, Volumi 59-60, 1983