This tree was common in the Middle East and provided wood for many uses and the fruit, the fig for food. The prophet Amos reports that he looked after such trees.  Notably they weres around the Jericho area where oral tradition stated one must not be planted within 50 yards of a neighbour. The tree grows tall and with its entwined roots placing in close to habitation could create imbalance to housing and a danger to water cisterns. Its thick canopy of leaves could also become a hazard.

So in Luke 19, the story of Zaccheus, the little man who climbed a tree to see Jesus, probably was on the main rod out of Jericho en route to Jerusalem, where Zaccheus could easily climb up and hide himself amongst the branches as Jesus and the crowds passed.