You’ve already been up and on your feet for hours…you see a bush that looks nice and springy, almost fluffy. It is beckoning. You want nothing more than to lie down on it and go to sleep. As you come closer to the bush you realize that it is covered in small thorns… Or maybe at different time while in the army- possibly during an ambush the thorny bush was the most comfortable place to lie and wait….
I have experienced both of these scenarios. Do you know what plant I’m referring to?
It’s called the Prickly Burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum). In Hebrew it is called the Sira Kotzanit סירה קוצנית which translated directly means prickly pot.
Since my military service I have been fascinated by this specific bush. I’m not sure why- maybe it is because of the green bush in a mostly arid region. Maybe it’s the domed shape which helps the plant resist the strong winds in the mountains. I can’t say exactly what it is was but I’ve always had a interest in this bush.
During a course on biblical plants and animals, that I took in Bar Ilan University, my class went on a trip to the biblical gardens/ reserve of Neot Kedumim. At the park we were given explanations of many different plants and their uses.
In ancient times and even up to the present the Prickly Burnet was used as a “mattress”. Thick blankets were piled over the bush to protect from the prickles but the user was able to take advantage of the springiness and the insulation from the cold ground. Basically it is nature’s spring mattress.
If that isn’t enough to give a bush a use- it was also planted as a natural fence to keep sheep from wandering away during the night. as a result of its size and its ability to withstand strong winds it is more permanent than most wooden fences.
I hope that this little post will help bring fame to the majestic Prickly Burnet. If you are ever on a trail and get a scratch from one- just remember- be nice to it because if you get stuck outside at night it could be your mattress.
