Banyan is the national tree of India, which keeps spreading continuously due to its aerial roots. These roots take the form of new stems and keep them alive for hundreds of years. The giant banyan tree is home to many fauna and is considered extremely important from environmental as well as religious point of view.
Banyan Tree Facts: If you have ever seen an old banyan tree, then perhaps this question might have come to your mind that how does this tree become so huge? Many banyan trees are so big that hundreds of people can sit together under their shade. When seen from a distance, it seems as if an entire forest is standing, whereas in reality it is just a single tree. So does banyan tree have any special power? Or is there any science behind it? Let us know.
Which tree is banyan tree?
The scientific name of banyan is Ficus benghalensis. This is the national tree of India. It is a member of the fig family and is found naturally in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and many parts of South Asia. Banyan tree is given special importance because of its long life, huge size and dense shade.
Why does the banyan tree grow so big?
The biggest reason for the banyan tree being huge is its aerial roots. The roots of common trees are only inside the ground. But thin roots hang downwards in the air from the branches of the banyan tree. When these roots touch the ground, they gradually thicken and form new stems (support trunks). This is the reason why the branches of the tree keep getting new support and they keep spreading everywhere.
One tree, but many trunks
Looking at the banyan tree, many people feel that there are a lot of trees there. Actually this does not happen. The extra stems that are visible are formed from aerial roots of the same tree. Therefore, a single banyan tree gradually spreads so much that it looks like an entire garden or a small forest.
How does a banyan tree survive for hundreds of years?
There are many reasons behind the longevity of the banyan tree.
1. Constantly forming new roots
As the branches spread, new roots also continue to form. Due to this, the tree remains alive even if the old stem becomes weak.
2. Strong root system
The roots of the banyan tree take a large amount of water and nutrients from the soil, due to which its growth continues for a long time.
3. Natural security
The thick bark and spreading structure of the banyan tree helps in protecting it from strong winds and weather.
The banyan seed is so small, then how is the tree so big?
This is the most magnificent example of nature. The banyan seed is very small. Often birds eat its fruits and drop the seeds elsewhere. Sometimes this seed starts growing on another branch, wall or old tree. Gradually its roots reach down to the ground and then take the form of a huge banyan tree.
Why is the banyan tree so important for the environment?
Banyan is not just a big tree, but also a whole small ecosystem. On this…
– Birds make nests.
– Squirrels live.
– Monkeys eat its fruits.
Bees and many insects live on it.
Meaning, one banyan tree becomes home to hundreds of living beings.
Banyan tree also has religious importance
Banyan is considered very sacred in Indian culture.
Vat Savitri Vrat
During Vat Savitri Vrat, married women worship the banyan tree. This tradition is associated with the story of Savitri-Satyavan written in Mahabharata and Padma Purana. It is believed that Savitri had regained the life of her husband Satyavan from Yamraj under the banyan tree.
symbol of trinity
In some Puranas and folk beliefs, banyan is considered a symbol of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Its longevity and massive form are considered a symbol of stability, protection and life.
Read more: Which crop grows best in red soil? In which states of India is red soil found?
Is every banyan tree this big?
No. The size of banyan depends on many things-
– enough room
– Water
– soil quality
– climate
– age of the tree
If it gets open space and favorable environment, the banyan tree can spread for hundreds of years.
Some facts related to banyan
– Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) was declared the national tree of India in 1950.
– The Great Banyan is spread over approximately 4.6 acres (about 18,900 square meters) and has thousands of prop roots.
– Banyan fruits (Fig) are a source of food for more than 80 bird species and many lactating birds.
Scientists consider banyan as a keystone species, because its fruits are available at different times of the year and become food for many organisms.
Banyan tree can live for 200 to 500 years or even more.
Also read: Do plants release oxygen at night? Which plants release oxygen at night? Which plant should be kept in the bedroom?