19 Interesting Banyan Tree Facts You Need To Know Right Now!

Banyan trees are significant to many cultures and religions around the world.

These large trees have beautiful, green leaves which are leathery in appearance. The young leaves, on the other hand, are somewhat red in color.

The banyan tree is one of the most iconic trees in the world. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions all over the planet and is known for its huge size and impressive canopy.

Let's take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about the banyan tree. We will discuss everything from its botanical classification to its ecological role in rainforests. So if you are interested in learning more about this fascinating tree, keep reading!

Classification Of Banyan Trees

The banyan tree is a member of the genus Ficus, which contains over 800 species of trees and shrubs. The banyan tree belongs to the family Moraceae, which includes other familiar trees like the fig, mulberry, and Osage orange.

• Banyan trees are usually classified as fig trees.
• According to research, the banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is one of 850 Ficus species that are known in the world.
• They are casually termed as the strangler fig species due to their habit of germinating from the tree trunks of other species.
• Banyan roots are formed once the seeds are dispersed by animals such as birds.
• Such roots find their place in the ground and eventually strangle the host tree trunks.
• This is the origin of the name strangler fig.
• Banyan trees are a tropical forest species and do well in the warmer places of the world such as India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
• It is in fact the national tree of India!
• Banyan leaves are large and glossy green in appearance.
• Ancient myths say that Adam and Eve used banyan leaves to make their first clothes!
• The aerial roots of the old trees of this fig species often touch the ground and make a firm grip.
• This results in the appearance of several thick woody trunks which all belong to the same tree.
• The thick roots of the aerial kind often resemble the trunks of large oak trees.
• Banyans are some of the world's biggest trees and the fact that they spread laterally is one of the reasons why these fig trees appear gigantic.
• The largest banyan tree is in the Indian state of West Bengal.
• Other related species would include Ficus citrifolia, Ficus aurea and Ficus pertusa.
• Ficus pertusa is also known as the American banyan.
• Ficus aurea is also known as the Florida strangler fig because of its quality to completely engulf the host tree or building.
• The Florida strangler fig is also the same tree that wraps around a buddha head in the Wat Magathat temple.
• The young leaves of this tree have a red-colored tinge, which looks quite beautiful.
• Banyan tree fruits also have a unique structure, just like other fig species.
• Like other fig species, banyan tree flowers are also pollinated by wasps.

The Origin Of Banyan Trees

The banyan tree is a tropical tree. It is most commonly found in India, where it is considered to be a sacred symbol. The banyan tree originated in Southeast Asia. Today, the banyan tree is an important part of Indian culture and mythology.

• The banyan tree or Ficus benghalensis was first seen by Europeans when Alexander the Great reached India.
• This happened in 326 BC, as the conqueror and his army made their way into the Indian subcontinent.
• It was much later that the species name, Ficus benghalensis, was given to these fig trees.
• Before being named the banyan tree or Ficus benghalensis, the Sankrit name given to the older banyan trees of India was 'Vat Vrisksha'.
• The banyan is now the national tree of India and holds great religious importance for followers of the Hindu religion.
• The reproduction in the banyan tree is dependent on tiny wasps.
• This is similar to what happens in the case of the common edible fig, which is reproduced by fig wasps.
• Banyan trees are capable of what is known as a fatal embrace.
• This is because once these fig trees have their roots in the ground, they consume all the nutrients from the soil and leave nothing for the host tree to consume.
• There are several Ficus species, such as the ones found in South Florida, which have the same characteristics.
• The primary trunk of the older banyan trees is often very tough to find due to the abundance of the prop roots!
• A hollow space inside banyans can be found in almost every case. This is because the space is left by the host tree.
• Once the host tree dies off, it is decomposed by the action of several animals and insects such as termites and beetles.
• This results in the formation of a cavity inside the thick woody trunks of the banyan tree.
• Banyan roots are therefore quite vicious in some ways and are capable of completely destroying other trees whose trunks banyan tree seeds then germinate inside.

What is the significance of banyan trees in India?

The banyan tree is a sacred symbol in India and it has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries. There are many temples in India that are dedicated to the banyan tree and the tree is often used as an emblem of Indian currency.

The banyan tree is also featured prominently in Hindu mythology and is said to be the home of many gods and goddesses.

• The banyan tree is known by several names in Hindu mythology.
• It is assumed that this tree stands for immortality.
• This is because the prop roots of the banyan tree always keep the tree strong and prevent it from dying.
• In India, it is known by names such as Vat, Bargad, and Bahupada.
• The name 'Bahupada' can be translated to mean 'having many feet.'
• This is a derivation from the many banyan roots that are visible, almost as secondary trunks.
• Old trees of this species are found in crematoriums since Ficus benghalensis is associated with Yama, the God of death.
• The name banyan was given to Ficus benghalensis by the British when they invaded India since they observed the common practice of Bania people or the traders assembling under this tree to discuss matters.
• The Hindu Lord Shiva is also seen sitting under a banyan tree, which symbolizes the harmony of the soul.
• Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is also symbolic of Lord Brahma, who is known as the creator.
• Banyan remains a significant part of Indian culture and Hindu religion due to the fact that this tropical forest species has been mentioned in many religious texts such as the Bhagavat Gita and Vedas.
• Additionally, this tree is also significant for Buddhists.
• This is because of the stories that say that Lord Buddha attained his spiritual message whilst meditating under a banyan tree.
• This is the reason why the fig tree whose aerial roots wrap around a Buddha head in Florida is so important for the followers of the religion.

Health Benefits Of Banyan Trees

Banyan tree bark and leaves have been used for centuries as a treatment for various medical problems. Banyan tree extracts are currently being studied as potential treatments for diabetes and other chronic diseases. So the next time you see a banyan tree, be sure to appreciate its many valuable contributions to the ecosystem!

• In addition to being significant in terms of some religious beliefs, banyan trees have also been used for their many medicinal properties.
• Such practices were predominantly popular in ancient India, through a field of medicine known as Ayurveda.
• The leaf bud of the banyan tree can be used to stop bleeding.
• The same leaf bud can also be used to stop secretions of other kinds such as pus.
• Unlike the common edible fig, the fruit of the banyan tree is known to have anti-inflammatory properties which soothe the skin.
• One of the most interesting facts about banyan trees is that their leaf buds can also be used to heal chronic diarrhea, as well as other gastroenterological issues.
• Some parts of the tree were also used to treat female sterility in ancient times.
• Chewing on the tree's aerial roots is said to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.