The first almond trees of the winter have begun to bloom in the Golan Heights, the Carmel region, and even in Jerusalem. The first blooming almond tree symbolizes the beginning of the end of the winter, in preparation for the spring.
"The almond tree in its first bloom symbolizes the beginning of the blooming season in the country," says Itamar Katz, KKL-JNF's Golan Heights forester. "It's an exciting moment that connects us to nature and its unique beauty, and the public can also visit and enjoy these special sights."
The amygdalus communis, also known as the almond tree, is considered a famous tree for its impressive, dense and colorful blooms - in shades ranging from white to pink. It also symbolizes Tu Bishvat, which the Jewish people will celebrate next month. Being the first to bloom in the winter season in Israel, it heralds the imminent arrival of spring.
The peak of the bloom is expected in the coming weeks. However, this winter was characterized by a low amount of precipitation, with some areas in Israel not receiving enough rainfall.
"Due to climate change, rainfall varies in intensity in intervals, a phenomenon that affects agriculture and causes changes in the distribution and intensity of the blooms," explains Yael Zilbershtein Barzide, Head of the Urban Nature Survey Unit at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.
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"Recently, the protected almond trees have begun to bloom in various places across the country, including Modi'in, the Carmel ridge and the Jerusalem area. Concentrations of almond trees can be seen in the Judean Mountains, especially in areas like Mevaseret Zion, Ein Kerem and the surrounding area. The almond tree is characterized by its leaves and its flowers blooming in winter, with the timing of blooming varying depending on the climate and the number of warm days between cold rainy periods. Due to this, each tree may bloom at a different time."