Almond

The almond tree is a deciduous tree , growing between four to twelve metres in height. The leaves are green with a serrated margin, and the flowers are pale pink with five petals, produced singly, or in pairs in early spring.

The almond is highly revered in some cultures, the tree originating in the Middle East. In the Bible, the almond is mentioned ten times, beginning with Genesis 43:11, where it is is described as "among the best fruits".

In Christianity, the almond, with its seed concealed behind an outer hull and a hard shell is said to symbolize the purity of the virgin Mary, and the hidden godliness within, the human shape of Jesus.

Christian icons often feature Mary and Jesus Christ within an almond-like mandorla or frame (mandorla means almond in Italian) or as haloes encircling the Christ child.