Algum Tree -- Juniperus excelsa

Solomon requested Algum wood for the temple he built (II Chronicles 2:8). This is a native of Lebanon and requires a moderately warm climate. Use any juniper variety hardy in your geographical region to symbolize this tree.

Cultivation: Requirements vary widely for these shrubs. Please follow directions provided by your plant source (label or oral information).

Almond Tree -- Prunus dulcis

According to Numbers 17:1-3 and 8, Aaron's rod blossomed and produced almonds.

Cultivation: Almond trees require a sandy soil with a slightly alkaline pH. Drainage is essential. The soil needs enough organic matter in it to hold water while allowing excess water to drain away. Technically, almonds will grow anywhere that peaches can grow. The problem is that they bloom so early in the spring and may be destroyed by late frosts. If your goal is actually producing some nuts, you will need to be in a warmer climate. You must plant two varieties of almonds together to get nuts since almond trees are not receptive to their own pollen.

Almug Tree (Sandalwood) -- Pterocarpus santalinus

Musical instruments including harps and psalteries were made from the wood of this tree according to I Kings 10-11-12. Even in Bible days, it was being brought from southern India. It is a warm climate tree.

Cultivation: Sandalwood requires a tropical climate where it is now grown on plantations. This information is presented here for your information. You are unlikely to find sandalwood trees at your local nursery unless you live in the tropics.

Apples (Apricots) -- Prunus armeniaca

Proverbs 25:11 mentions "apples of gold" and that is an excellent description of apricots, the tree botanists believe is talked about here. Use any apricot species hardy to your geographical region.

Cultivation: Apricot trees need a deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Plant it on the north or west side of a building to help avoid the blossoms opening so early in the spring that they get frosted. Many pests feed on apricots and other Prunus species. Talk to your local nursery about which varieties are most resistant to pests and diseases in your geographical region. Follow any recommendations they give you.