Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

The Banyan tree is India’s National Tree. The Banyan, a member of the fig family, spreads its branches across a broad region, takes root, and continues to live and regenerate for thousands of years. It continually grows new trunks and branches over time, extending its lifespan. It is believed immortal according to Indian mythology. Many Indian villages are built around huge, shady banyan trees that provide a nice setting for public meetings and village council meetings. The tree has the farthest-reaching roots of any tree, and its roots can easily cover several acres.

National Tree of India

The Indian village society revolves around this tree, which is known for its extraordinary medicinal and healing capabilities. It is thought to be immortal and is mentioned in Indian mythology and tales. It’s also the symbol of the fabled ‘Kalpa Vriksha,’ or ‘Wish Fulfillment Tree.’

Banyan trees can be found in any part of India, regardless of area or climate. One of the key reasons why the banyan tree is known as India’s national tree is because of this. The Banyan Tree is pronounced vat vrksh in Hindi.

Importance of the Banyan Tree

The Banyan Tree was a natural choice for our National Tree because of its grandeur, claimed longevity, and religious significance in India. It served as a leafy haven for a number of tired Indians who would relax in its shade from the scorching summer sun. This tree has long been revered by Indians, and it is associated with several folklore and mythological traditions. It’s even more significant in several Hindu rites. Aside from people, it is home to a variety of different animals. It’s also regarded for being low-maintenance, making it a godsend to Indians.

Aalamaram Tree is another name for Banyan Tree.

The practise of worshiping’sacred’ trees has long been practised by Hindus. Trees should be honoured, according to the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda, because of their inextricable importance in human life. The banyan tree is one of the sacred trees.

The Lord Shiva is sometimes represented in Hindu mythology as sitting in quiet under a banyan tree, with saints at His feet. The banyan tree, with its seemingly endless growth, represents eternal life. The tree is known in Hindu culture as ‘kalpavriksha,’ a Sanskrit word that meaning ‘a celestial tree that grants desires.’ Hindu married women pray to the banyan tree for a long and happy marriage.

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Significance of the Banyan Tree

• The Bargad (Banyan) tree is revered in Hinduism and is known as ‘Ashwath Vriksha.’ Because of its seemingly spreading branches, it depicts eternity.

 

• In his novel “Hothouse,” Brian Ardis imagines a future Earth in which a single huge banyan tree covers half of the planet as individual trees learn to join and drop random roots.

 

• The banyan tree is also known as the Wish-Giving Tree of God.

 

• The banyan tree is part of Indonesia’s national emblem. It is meant to represent Indonesia’s unity as a country with numerous forked roots.

 

• The Angkor Wat Temples’ Ta Prohm is notable for its massive banyan trees that grow around and through the walls.

 

• The roots of old banyan trees grow into tree trunks and blend in with the main trunk as they mature. These supporting roots allow old trees to cover a huge area.

 

• Kolkata, India is home to the world’s largest banyan tree, according to Guinness World Records.

 

• Another notable banyan tree, which grew to two-thirds of an acre at Courthouse Square in Lahaina, Hawaii, was planted in 1873.

Salient Features of Banyan Tree

• A tangle of branches, roots, and trunks distinguishes the banyan tree.

 

• The tree has a vast root system and may cover several acres. It is enormous in size, providing shade from the blazing heat. Fruits that resemble figs grow on the tree.

 

• The fruits, which become red when fully ripe, are not edible.

 

• The tree’s dark green leaves are big and leathery. The leaves are utilised as animal food because of this.

 

• Wasps are typically attracted to the tree’s blossoms for pollination.

 

• An elderly banyan tree can grow to be over 656 feet in circumference and 98 feet tall.

 

• The sticky milk of the banyan tree is used to make rubber, which is useful in gardening.

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Scientific Information about National Tree of India

This table illustrates the scientific classification, status, and dimensions of the banyan tree.

 

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Urticales
Family	Moraceae
Genus	Ficus
Species	Ficus benghalensis
Found in	Native to Indian Subcontinent
Habitat	Terrestrial
Conservation Status	Not-threatened
Type	Figs
Dimensions	Height: 10-25 m; Spread: as far as 100 m

Trivia about National Tree of India

• The word ‘banyan’ comes from Banias, who used to sit under the trees to plan their business operations.

 

• Kolkata is home to the world’s largest tree, the Great Banyan. It’s estimated that the tree is around 250 years old.

 

• Alexander the Great is said to have camped under a banyan tree large enough to shelter his army of 7000 men, according to historical records.

 

• The wood and bark of the banyan tree are used to make paper in various regions of the world.

 

• People also utilise the tree’s roots to build ropes that are used to tie wood bundles.

 

• Shellac, a powerful adhesive, is commonly made from the sap of the banyan tree. Surface-finisher can also be made with it.

 

• Women in Nepal prepare a herbal product by crushing the root of the banyan tree into a paste, which they use as a hair and skin conditioner.

 

• The twigs of the banyan tree are sold as toothpicks in India and Pakistan to enhance oral health.

 

• The therapeutic properties of the banyan tree are well documented. Its sap is used to treat exterior skin irritations and bruises, as well as diarrhoea, toothaches, and ulcers. Its bark and seeds are used to make a herbal tonic that helps the body calm down. The tonic derived from the banyan tree is also used to treat diabetic people.