Black Mustard: Deeply rooted seeds of faith

Black Mustard

Family:  Brassicaceae

Genus:   Brassica

Species: B. nigra

Reference:  Matthew 13:31-32   

     31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, the kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 

     32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

And also:  Mark 4:31; Luke 13:19; Luke 17:6; Matthew 17:20 (all KJV)

(Via Wikipedia)

An ancient herb, mustard's first recorded mention was in sanskrit writings over five thousand years ago.  It was used as a pot herb and green vegetable by the days of the Romans who utilized its seed as well; dried and pounded into a flour, it was mixed with wine to create a type of table mustard.   Culinary tastes aside, it was highly valued as a medicinal herb and used to treat toothaches, and as a type of plaster or paste to treat sore or rheumatic joints.

Sources debate whether or not B. nigra was indeed the plant whose seed is highlighted by Jesus in the Parable of the Mustard Seed. While it is native to the Mediterranean and South Asia, it is possible that the plant could be Sinapis, the white mustard of the same family, or even an actual tree– Salvadore persica, known as the mustard tree. The latter, actual tree bears small seeds and grows relatively tall.  Given its heritage and use as a leafy green vegetable (including its inclusion into the wide category of bitter herbs), black mustard is the generally considered the most widely accepted suspect.

The plant itself, being a member of the Brassicaceae (formerly known as Cruciferae, "cross-bearing"), is related a wide number of crucifers and cabbages, all important food crops.  B. nigra is an annual plant that readily re-seeds, and, if left uncontrolled will spread wildly.  Pliny noted upon this, stressing that the roots held strong and was difficult to remove as the plant aged.  It bears a four-petaled yellow flower which while in bloom, forms what could be called a Maltese cross.   The plant thrives best in well-drained soil, but adequately tolerates poor planting if compensated with fertilizer; it will tolerate some sun, however it will appear wilted if left to full bright exposure, regaining itself at night.    Unlike others of its family the black mustard can grow as tall as six feet, but averages about half that in height.  It flowers in late summer, and the tiny seeds are typically harvested and dried in early fall.

Its medieval uses mimicked that of the Romans.  Gerard (1623) states that

"the seed of the mustard pounded with vinegar is an excellent sauce, good to be eaten with any grosse meates, either fish or flesh, because it doth help digestion, warmeth the stomach and provoketh appetite."

***
"It all starts from a seed; have faith in this seed,"  I've been known to say when teaching classes, introducing people to herbs and gardening in general.   I suppose I've had more faith in a seed than I may have otherwise believed.  
Upon looking back, and re-reading this parable, there's so many ways that I interpret it.  That the Kingdom of Heaven is the greatest amongst all; that birds (or, perhaps men) will flock to it, calling it home.  That man must carry this precious gift and give it space to grow.  And even botanically:  that this specific seed becomes a deeply-rooted, difficult to displace, nourishing plant that will freely grow and thrive and reproduce, even in places not usually all that nice for plants – provided it's maintained well.
Mustard teaches me that I need regular maintenance; that my belief and faith need a little boost now and again.