Indian National Tree

Banyan Tree is the National Tree of India. The scientific name is Ficus Bengalensis. It has a very huge structure, long and deep roots and branches. It has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, easily covering a vast area.

The tree is considered sacred by the Hindus of India. With high medicinal value, banyan is often used as a herb to treat and cure many diseases. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Thus the banyan tree regenerates and lives for an incredible length of time. Because of this characteristic and its longevity it is thought of as the immortal tree. This tree is considered as an integral part of the myths and legends of India. Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this tree. The very size of the banyan tree makes it a habitat for a large number of creatures.

Importance In The Indian Culture

The tradition of worshipping 'sacred' trees is prevalent among the people following Hinduism, since ages. Rig Veda and Atharna Veda stipulate that trees should be worshipped, for their inevitable role in human life.

Banyan is considered one among the sacred trees. In the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is sometimes depicted sitting in silence, under the banyan tree, with the saints sitting at His feet.

With its seemingly unending expansion, the banyan tree symbolizes eternal life. In Hindu culture, the tree is often called 'kalpavriksha', a Sanskrit word, which means 'a divine tree that fulfills wishes'. Married Hindu women worship the banyan tree to lead a long and happy married life.

Features

Banyan tree is characterized by a tangle of branches, roots and trunks. The tree is deeply rooted, which may spread across several acres.

It is huge in size, thereby giving protection from hot sun. The tree bears fruits that look like figs.

The fruits, which appear red in color when matured, are not edible.

The dark green leaves of the tree are large and leathery. This is the reason why, the leaves are used as animal fodder.

The flowers produced by the tree often attract wasps, for pollination.

An old banyan tree can reach more than 656 feet in diameter and can be as tall as 98 feet.

The rubber, produced from the sticky milk of banyan tree, is used for gardening.