Poplar

Heb. libneh, “white”, (Gen. 30:37; Hos. 4:13), in all probability the storax tree (Styrax officinalis) or white poplar, distinguished by its white blossoms and pale leaves. It is common in the Anti-Libanus. Other species of the poplar are found in Palestine, such as the white poplar (P. alba) of our own country, the black poplar (P. nigra), and the aspen (P. tremula). (See WILLOW.)

This is the rendering of the Hebrew word libneh, which occurs in (Genesis 30:37) and Hose 4:13 Several authorities are in favor of the rendering of the Authorized Version and think that “white poplar” (Populus alba) is the tree denoted: others understand the “storax tree” (Styrax officinale, Linn.). Both poplars and storax or styrax trees are common in Palestine, and either would suit the passages where the Hebrew term occurs. Storax is mentioned in Ecclus. 24:15, together with other aromatic substances. The Styrax officinale is a shrub from nine to twelve feet high, with ovate leaves, which are white underneath; the flowers are in racemes, and are white or cream-colored.

POP'LAR (white). The storax (see Stacte), being ordinarily only a bush, does not meet the conditions of Hos 4:13. Four or more species of poplar are found in the Holy Land, and this fact, with the white appearance of some kinds - e.g., Populus alba - warrants us in preferring the A.V. Gen 30:37.

POP'LAR (white). The storax (see Stacte), being ordinarily only a bush, does not meet the conditions of Hos 4:13. Four or more species of poplar are found in the Holy Land, and this fact, with the white appearance of some kinds - e.g., Populus alba - warrants us in preferring the A.V. Gen 30:37.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Any tree of the genus Populus; also, the timber, which is soft, and capable of many uses.

2. The timber of the tulip tree; -- called also white poplar. [U.S.]