National Tree

There are trees that benefit more than just humans. There are trees that make us feel good. And there are some of them, like the National Tree of India, that not only provide shade to those who need it but also teach and remind us about our history.

Which is the National Tree of India?

The National Tree of India is the Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) . This tree has several stories attached to it. Hindu folklore talks about the historic story of two sages, Rishi Markandeya and Narada, who were discussing what is the most important tree in India.

The Legend

The Banyan tree occupies a place of pride among all trees in India. It is called the National tree of India even though it is neither a stately looking nor a tall tree. It stands with its branches drooping to the ground and its roots spreading widely. But it has found its place among the trees of India because of fantastical stories associated with it and because it grows almost everywhere on the subcontinent.

The National Tree of India

Banyan trees are a great source of shade. This tree is a part of evergreen tropical rain forests. It can grow in almost all the places of India, but it thrives in the wetter lands. This particular species can live for several hundred years and this fact has made it fortunate enough to be called the “Tree Immortal”. Banyan trees can give shade to one person at a time or many people at a time. But its place among the stately trees goes beyond that as it bears flowers and fruits in abundance during monsoon season. These fruits are eaten by monkeys, birds and various animals that reside in forests.

Why is the Banyan tree considered as the National Tree of India?

The Banyan tree has been associated with Hindu religion since ancient times. It is also thought to be a holy tree for Muslims. In fact, people have made banyan trees their favourite spots for offering prayers and doing meditation. Many of these trees can be found in famous tourist places like Varanasi and Nandidurga Fort (in Maharashtra).

The Banyan tree has such a widespread presence in India that it can be seen almost everywhere, even at airports. Given India’s religious importance, it is only natural that the government selected this one tree out of all other recognized national trees to be the National Tree of India in order to give due respect to our heritage.

Significance of Banyan Tree in India

The Banyan tree is a symbol of hope. This tree is believed to grow new branches every time a branch is cut off from it. As there are so many such trees, it suggests that if people are able to cut down the old ones, they can also make a strong attempt at making their lives better.

Banyan trees have numerous medicinal properties. It can be easily cultivated in gardens and used as an ornamental plant or else it can be planted in forests as part of the afforestation efforts. These are some of the most amazing and interesting stories associated with this tree.

Major features

The banyan tree is a real blessing, giving shade to others and receiving none itself. This tree is something like a Bonsai of India–small in size but big in stature. It has many aerial roots that grow downward into the soil as they hang and provide shade to the ground. The branches divide into new limbs and give rise to new trunks in a process called propagation or cloning. Smaller plants and trees grow on these trunks and the cycle goes on forever.

Banyan trees have been planted across the whole world at places like temples, mosques, schools, colleges, gardens and parks to give shelter from scorching heat during summers. They can also be used to create small pools of water in dry areas. Apart from the benefits mentioned above, this tree has a number of medicinal properties.

Protecting Banyan Tree

There are people who consider the cutting of banyan trees as an act of desecration. The PCCF and FCI have therefore banned its cutting. The Plant Conservation Committee and Forest Department have also taken steps to protect this tree from further damage by planting more banyans in appropriate places. How much we can do is not known, but at least there is awareness about this natural wonder that will protect it for years to come!

Conclusion

Banyan tree is one of the most popular trees in India that provides a lot of benefits and has a great story behind it. It has a place of pride among all other trees in India and it is no wonder that it is called the National Tree of India.