The Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

A single mature Banyan Tree will have many trunks and support roots which gives the appearance of a forest of separate trees. A single tree can spread to cover well over an acre, the largest, in Sri Lanka, covers just over two acres.

Height: up to 100 feet (30.5 meters).

Lifespan: possibly over a thousand years although the age of the Banyan Tree is difficult to determine due to the fact that the original trunk is usually hidden by years of arial or support root growth.


Habitat and Range: The Banyan Tree grows in India and adjacent countries. It prefers areas of high humidity and moist soils.

.....The banyan is said to have nourished mankind with its 'milk' before the advent of grain and other food. According to the Agni Purana, the banyan symbolises fertility and is worshipped by those who want children. For the same reason, it is never cut. Even its leaves, which are used as cattle fodder, are broken only when there is a famine. It is believed that if the tree is cut, a goat should be sacrificed in atonement.

.....This tree is also sacred to the Buddhists. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha is believed to have sat under a banyan tree for seven days, absorbed in his newfound realisation.
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