Banyan - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as Banyan Tree or Indian Banyan, is a massive evergreen tree in the Moraceae family native to the Indian subcontinent. Renowned as India's national tree, it is one of the largest canopy-forming trees in the world. Mature specimens produce numerous aerial roots that descend from the branches, eventually thickening into pillar-like trunks that support the expanding crown. Over time, a single tree can spread across several acres, creating the appearance of an entire grove. Its large, leathery leaves and impressive architecture make it one of the most iconic tropical trees.

Small fig-like fruits ripen from green to red and provide an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Ficus benghalensis grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture, although established trees tolerate seasonal drought. Hardy in USDA Zones 10-12, it is widely planted as a shade and landscape tree in tropical and subtropical regions, while young plants are also popular as container specimens and bonsai subjects. Revered for centuries in Hinduism and Buddhism, the banyan symbolizes longevity, strength, and shelter, and many ancient trees remain important cultural and community landmarks.

Ficus citrifolia can grow up to 18 metres tall. The bole can be 75cm in diameter The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing in the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which, when they reach the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous. They supply nutrients to the fig, allowing it to grow faster than the host tree.

The roundish fruit is greenish, often brown dotted, turning reddish and brownish at maturity, about 10mm in diameter. Fleshy, but with very little flavor.

See articleabout Ficus citrifolia by Mark Hooten

The pollinator wasp has been introduced to a number of places where the tree is cultivated, including Hawai'i, allowing this species to spread beyond initial plantings. Tiny seeds within small sized fruit are ingested by many fruit eating animals, such as birds. Seeds are capable of germinating and growing almost anywhere they land, even in cracks in concrete or in the crotch of other trees. The small seedling begins to grow on its host, sending down aerial roots, and eventually strangling and replacing the host tree or structure. F. microcarpa grows to about 60 feet in the wild, but it is easily trained as a bonsai. The bark is a smooth gray with a lot of aerial roots if you make sure it gets a lot of humidity. If you are growing them somewhere that has a lot of humidity never let the aerial roots grow out of the pot and into the ground. If this happens it will cause the bonsai to put out a rapid growth of branches and become a bush. Foliage is dark green and quite dense and grows upright. Retusa grow best in full sun with plenty of water. Fertilize with an organic or all purpose fertilizer every week. To prevent die back, prune only when the tree is actively growing. With terminal pruning the reuse will bud back easily. The milky white latex that is secreted when pruning branches may cause an allergic reaction to some people, so it is best to avoid contact with the skin.