The Judas tree is so called because it is thought that Judas, after betraying Christ, committed suicide by hanging himself from one of these trees. Of course, there is no evidence for this whatsoever. Possibly because of the way the branches grow horizontally, it seems easy to attach a rope around them. In reality the branches would not be nearly high enough to get a good drop. It is not recommend that this be put to the test. Also adding credence to the theory, possibly, is that the tree originates from that region. One can take just a glance at this tree to tell that it is not native; it has a Mediterranean look to it of the sort depicted in paintings of the bible stories. It stands out in the winter because it has bean like nuts.

Autumn beans from Judas tree.