broom tree

A species of plant generally agreed to be Retama raetam, a shrublike growth usually 4 to 12 feet high, with deep roots suitable for the desert terrain it occupies. It flowers in the spring with small white blooms on twigs with small leaves. A broom tree provided Elijah shade (1Kgs 19:4-5); its roots gave warmth for Job’s “friends” (Job 30:4). Its power to burn to coals is cited, perhaps figuratively, in (Ps 120:4).