The Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) is the National Tree of India.
The leaves of the banyan tree are large, leathery, glossy, green, and elliptical
A banyan, also spelled "banian", is a fig that begins its life as an epiphyte, i.e. a plant that grows on another plant, when its seed germinates in a crack or crevice of a host tree or edifice.
The banyan tree is monoecious, male flowers and female flowers are distinctly borne on the tree.
The hanging structures that support the banyan tree are called prop roots. roots develop from tree branches hang downwards and ultimately penetrate the ground,thus provide support to heavy branches.
The national tree of a country is one of the symbols of pride that is integral to the nation’s identity. Indian fig tree, also known as Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) is the National tree of India, whose branches root themselves like new trees over a large area. The tree is revered as sacred in Hindu philosophy. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Because of this characteristic and its longevity, this tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India. The tree is often symbol of the fabled 'Kalpa Vriksha' or the 'Tree of Wish Fullfillment' as it is associated with longevity and has important medicinal properties.
National Tree of India: Importance
➤ In Hindu religion, the banyan tree is considered sacred and is called “Ashwath Vriksha” (“I am Banyan tree among trees”- Bhagavad Gita). It represents eternal life because of its seemingly ever-expanding branches.
➤ The banyan tree is also called kalpavriksha meaning ‘wish fulfilling divine tree’.
➤ The banyan is part of the coat of arms of Indonesia. It is meant to symbolize the unity of Indonesia: one country with many far-flung roots
➤ Older banyan trees are characterized by their aerial prop roots which grow into thick woody trunks which, with age, can become indistinguishable from the main trunk.
➤ Old trees can spread out laterally using these prop roots to cover a wide area.
Like other fig species, banyans bear their fruit in the form of a structure called a "syconium". The syconium of Ficus species supply shelter and food for fig wasps and the trees depend on the fig wasps for pollination.
Frugivore birds disperse the seeds of banyans. The seeds are small, and because most banyans grow in woodlands, a seedling that germinates on the ground is unlikely to survive. However, many seeds fall on the branches and stems of other trees or on human edifices, and when they germinate they grow roots down toward the ground and consequently may envelop part of the host tree or edifice. For this reason banyans bear the colloquial name "strangler fig".
Environmental uses of Banyan Trees
Banyans are ecological linchpins. They produce vast crops of figs that sustain many species of birds, fruit bats, primates and other creatures, which in turn disperse the seeds of hundreds of other plant species. ... Independent India made the banyan its national tree. Hawaii's banyans are not native.
Health Benefits of Banyan Tree
Treats diarrhoea. ...
Prevents tooth decay and gum disease. ...
Boosts immunity. ...
Prevents inflammation. ...
Prevents depression. ...
Treats vaginal infections. ...
Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. ...
Lowers cholesterol.
Its leaf, bark, seeds and fig are used for the variety of disorders like diarrhea, polyuria, dental, diabetes and urine disorders. ... They can also be taken internally to cure diarrhoea and dysentery.