Final answer:
The excerpt about the tree of life bearing twelve kinds of fruits and leaves for the healing of nations is from the Bible. Trees in literature and mythology are often symbolic, representing a wide array of concepts and functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt mentioning the tree of life which bore twelve manner of fruits comes from the Bible, specifically the Book of Revelation which discusses prophetic visions, including vivid imagery of the tree of life in the new heaven and new earth. The passage presents the tree as a source of continual sustenance and healing for the nations. In contrast, Greek mythology, such as the mention of Athena's olive tree, or literary works like those of Shakespeare and various contemporary novels, present trees in different symbolic contexts which can be metaphorical, historical, or purely fictional in nature. In poetry and literature, trees are often used to evoke emotions, depict scenes, or symbolize ideas, hence the reference to the cherry tree in "Loveliest of Trees" by A. E. Housman or the use of trees in descriptions of settings as shown in excerpts from myths and hymns.