Lote Tree

Some authorities believe the Qur’ānic name of sidr refers to sidrat-al-muntahā (meaning ‘lote tree of the utmost boundary’), Ziziphus spina-christi, also known known as the Christ's thorn jujube.

The lote tree is said to be located either in the sixth or seventh heaven and marks the point beyond which progression, physical or abstract, cannot be made. During his night ascension through the heavens, it was at this tree that the Prophet Mohammed experienced visions beyond human comprehension.

Every aspect of the plant is shown from the tiny white clusters of flowers and fruit through to the overall habit of the tree. The lovely little spherical fruit changed through a series of colours from the pale green made of lemon yellow, sap green and translucent orange. Quinacridone gold, burnt sienna and scarlet red were also used in the fruit.

Flowers painted from specimens from Amarsirat Ar Rawajih and Jebel Akhdar in Oman, and Sharjah Botanic Gardens, UAE.

Completed painting size: 51 x 71cm
Main picture thorns and line of fruit natural size, flowers x 9, detail of flower x 12
Watercolour on paper