Some plant have been around so long , they ’ve seen Empire move up and come — and they ’re still growing unassailable in garden and windowsills today . These are n’t just survivor ; they ’re living links to ritual , therapeutic , and beliefs from G of year ago .
People once plant them for protection , healing , or to honour the graven image . Today , we grow many of them without even realizing the meaning they once hold up . From the sacred lotus to frankincense , these 17 ancient plants were profoundly woven into the day-to-day life and spiritual universe of past civilisation — and they ’re still mightily here with us , quietly stock all that chronicle .
Olive Tree
The olive tree , with its silver medal - green leaves shimmering under the Mediterranean sun , has been a symbol of repose and prosperity for centuries .
Its gnarled luggage compartment tells tale of ancient civilization , from the Greeks to the Romans , who hero-worship it not only for its yield but also for its crude .
Today , its bequest continue , gracing landscapes and providing a fruitful harvest . The olive ’s timeless mien reminds us of nature ’s suffer gifts and the rich history it personify , connecting us to a humans long past yet still cherished .
Lotus Flower
float graciously on serene ponds , the lotus flower is an emblem of innocence and enlightenment in many civilisation .
From the murky waters , it rises , neat and beautiful , a will to resiliency and renewal . Ancient Egyptians and Buddhists likewise found spiritual significance in its blooming flower petal .
Even today , the lotus witch onlooker with its aery ravisher and symbolical meanings , offer a spatter of tranquility and a reminder of liveliness ’s sound transformation .
© Gardenista
Ginkgo Biloba
The ginkgo biloba , often call a living dodo , is a tree diagram that has survive unchanged for millions of years .
Its fan - shaped leave flex a brilliant gold in autumn , captivating viewers . revere in ancient Chinese medication , it ’s fete for its healing properties .
Today , this lively tree lines city streets and gardens , a symbol of survival and longevity , bridging the ancient and modern worlds with its refined bearing .
Lavender
Lavender ’s gentle purple salad days and soothing perfume have been cherished since ancient times .
From R.C. baths to Egyptian mummification , its uses were as varied as its admirers . The calming fragrance is just as darling today , often used in aromatherapy and skincare .
Its vivacious fields create visual serenity , inviting bees and gardener likewise . Lavender ’s timeless temptingness consist in its ability to comfort and heal , bridging centuries with its fragrant bosom .
© anythingwet.com.au
Wheat
Wheat , the golden food grain , has been a staple food for civilizations for thousand of old age .
Its cultivation pock the dawn of agricultural society , flow empire and shaping cultures . From ancient Egyptian sugar to modern pasta , wheat ’s journey is enlace with human history .
Today , it continues to sustain and keep up , a testament to its full of life role in our culinary inheritance .
Sage
Sage , with its soft , velvety leaf , has been esteem for its wiseness - inducing properties since ancient times .
Used in rituals and cooking , it was believe to enhance genial clarity and seniority . In ancient Rome , sage was consider hallowed and was glean with peculiar ceremonies .
Today , its crude aroma and healing qualities make it a staple in kitchens and herbal remediation , bridge ancient wiseness and New utility .
© Pacific Nurseries
Bamboo
Bamboo , with its rapid growth and force , has been a symbol of resilience and flexibleness in Asiatic refinement for one C .
Used for everything from progress material to paper , its versatility is unmatched . In ancient China , bamboo was a symbol of integrity and virtue .
Today , it continues to cheer , providing eco - favorable solutions and aesthetic beaut in landscape , connecting past traditions with next innovations .
Rosemary
Rosemary , the herb of remembrance , has a rich history date back to ancient Greece and Rome .
Used in ritual and celebration , it symbolized commitment and love . With its distinctive scent , rosemary has find its mode into kitchen worldwide .
Its resilience and hardiness make it a favorite among gardeners , perpetuate its legacy of fragrant beauty and culinary joy .
© Clovers Garden
Rice
Rice , the lifeblood of countless cultures , has been school for over 5,000 years .
In Asia , it is more than just intellectual nourishment ; it ’s a cultural staple woven into custom and ritual . From ancient Taiwanese dynasties to modern kitchens , rice hold up billions .
Its versatility and meaning endure , continuing to sustain bodies and psyche likewise .
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera , with its succulent leaves , has been a symbolic representation of healing since ancient times .
The Egyptians called it the “ plant of immortality , ” using it in embalming and medicine . Today , its console gelatin is a common curative for burns and pelt ailment .
Its resilience in harsh term underscores its enduring appeal , bridging ancient remedy and modern-day health .
© Foodwise
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums , with their vibrant blooms , have been celebrated since ancient China as symbols of delight and length of service .
They were revered for their beauty and used in traditional medicine . Their presence in art and poetry reflects their ethnical grandness .
Today , these cheerful flowers go forward to adorn gardens and home , embodying the spirit of celebration and the enactment of fourth dimension .
Cedar
The cedar tree tree diagram , jazz for its redolent wood and hulk presence , has been a symbol of strength and eternity .
Used in ancient temples and ships , its wood was esteem for its strength and scent . In Lebanon , it ’s a national emblem , representing pridefulness and heritage .
Today , cedar stay on to be treasure in landscape gardening and grammatical construction , its legacy rooted in history and custom .
© Sow Right Seeds
Pomegranate
The Punica granatum , with its gem - like seeds , has been a symbolisation of richness and teemingness since ancientness .
In Greek mythology , it played a crucial persona in the tarradiddle of Persephone . Rich in food , it was used in medicine and culinary art .
Today , its vibrant fruit and cultural significance continue to enamor , offering a gustatory perception of ancient wiseness and modern wellness benefit .
Papyrus
Papyrus , the flora that give us newspaper , has been built-in to human communicating for thousands of years .
In ancient Egypt , it was used to make scrolls and documents , enabling the recording of history and noesis . Its fibrous stalks were thread into mat and baskets as well .
Today , its historic significance remains , propose a glimpse into the origin of written language and cultural storage .
© The Spruce
Cypress
Cypress trees , with their grandiloquent and slender shape , have been associated with mourning and timeless existence since ancient civilizations .
Used in funerary rites and as symbolic representation of immortality , they adorned memorial park and sacred sites . The ancient Greeks and Romans revered them for their spiritual meaning .
Today , cypress tree continue to grace landscapes , volunteer both peach and a connection to timeless traditions .
Hibiscus
The hibiscus , with its bold and beautiful blooms , has been a symbol of delicate knockout and charm .
In ancient civilization , it was used in offerings and ceremony . Its vibrant colors and large flower petal draw tending and admiration .
Today , hibiscus uphold to captivate , used in Camellia sinensis and medallion , body forth a sense of tropic allurement and natural elegance .
© Garden Design
Amaranth
Amaranth , with its vivid , crimson flush spikes , has been cultivated for thousands of age , cherished by ancient civilisation for both its mantrap and nutritionary value . Often associated with immortality , this plant symbolise resilience and military posture , fly high even in miserable soil conditions .
In ancient Grecian mythology , Amaranth was regarded as a symbol of everlasting life , often adorning the temple of the gods . Its seeded player , highly nutritious , are still consumed today , offer a rich source of protein and essential minerals .
Whether gracing gardens or kitchens , Amaranth rest a timeless will to nature ’s bounty and adaptability .
© Better Homes & Gardens
© Planet Desert
© Better Homes & Gardens
© Chief River Nursery
© The Sill
© Gardening Know How
© Eureka Farms
© The Columbus Dispatch
© Kids Seed Co.
