Syringa oblata subsp. dilatata reed. Syringa oblata subsp. dilatata Syringa oblata subsp. dilatata, also known as Korean early lilac, is a subspecies of the species "Syringa oblata" in the genus "Syringa", in the family Oleaceae. Gravelly mountains, 100-700m altitude. China: Jilin and Liaoning provinces. Korea: Throughout. Widely cultivated. Notable cultivars include: "Oblata" from the modern Latin "oblatus", meaning 'somewhat flattened at the ends, oval, oblate'. "Dilatata" means 'widened', 'spread out', or 'dilated'. "Syringa" is derived from the Greek word "syrinx", meaning 'pipe' or 'tube'. Named for the use of its hollow stems to make flutes. In Greek mythology, the nymph Syringa was changed into
Tree of the Virgin Tree of the Virgin The Tree of the Virgin is a sycamore tree in the El Matareya suburb of Cairo, Egypt. According to local beliefs, the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph stopped at El Matareya (then a small village) on the Flight into Egypt. Mary rested against the tree and a spring of water sprang up near it for Mary to wash Jesus. For many years its bark was taken by Christians in the belief that it had miraculous properties. It has been a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians for many centuries, who come to pray by it or