If we were to trace the use of the word “Tree” through the Scriptures we would find two main images, and both these images explain the significance the Cross. The first tree is the “Tree of Life.” This was placed in the Garden of Eden together with the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil,” from which Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. After this first sin, God evicted Adam and Eve from the Garden – not as a punishment, but because He feared “lest the man put forth his hand and take also of the Tree of Life, and eat, and live for ever.” (Genesis 3:22) Note, the effect of this would have been to make sinners (and thus also sin) immortal. For it is a fact that death, while being the result of sin, is also the limit that brings an end to sin.
God gave Adam and Eve (mankind) access to the Tree of Life in the garden. He gave them permission to eat from every tree. So we have no reason to believe that they did not eat of the Tree of Life prior to the fall. Mankind was intended to live forever. We don’t know for sure what kind of fruit was on these trees. However the Bible is clear; there were two trees with literal physical fruit. As stated, the importance of the fruit of the Tree of Life is that the main benefit of that fruit is eternal life. All believers still have the hope of partaking in the fruit of the Tree of Life.
