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India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich cultural past and a kaleidoscope of diversity. Since its independence, it has made a significant socioeconomic improvement. India, the world’s seventh largest country, stands apart from the rest of Asia due to its mountainous terrain and proximity to the sea, which distinguish the country geographically. It spans southwards, tapering out into the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, and is bordered on the north by the Great Himalayas.
Banyan Tree
The Banyan tree is India’s national tree, Ficus bengalensis. The Banyan, which belongs to the fig family, spreads across a broad area, takes root, and continues to live and regenerate for thousands of years. It grows more trunks and branches over time, extending its life expectancy. It is said to be immortal in Indian mythology. Many Indian villages are built around huge, shady banyan trees that provide a nice setting for public gatherings and village council meetings. The root system of this tree is the most extensive of all the trees, and it can easily cover several acres.
Because of its grandeur, mythical immortality, and religious significance in India, the banyan tree was an easy choice for our National Tree. It served as a leafy haven for a number of tired Indians who sought refuge from the scorching summer sun in its shade. Many folklore and mythological traditions surround this tree, which has long been revered by Indians. It is made even more prominent in some Hindu rites. It houses a variety of animals, in addition to humans. It’s also noted for requiring little upkeep and being a godsend to Indians. Aalamaram is another name for the Banyan Tree.
Scientific Classification of the Indian National Tree
When its seed germinates in a crack or fissure of a host tree or building, a banyan, often written “bannian,” begins its existence as an epiphyte, or a plant that grows on another plant. The name “banyan” is generally used to refer to Ficus benghalensis (the “Indian banyan”), the country’s national tree, while it has also been used to refer to all figs with a similar life cycle, and it has been used systematically in taxonomy to refer to the subgenus Urostigma.
The enormous, tenacious Banyan Tree was chosen. The National Tree of India, Ficus bengalensis or the Banyan tree, is the sole choice as a National Tree of India because of its life-saving properties and sacredness. It accurately depicts India’s long thriving culture and hence becomes the only choice as a National Tree of India. The Banyan is a member of the fig family, and its branches spread across a broad region, taking root and continuing to live and regenerate for thousands of years. Because of its ever-expanding branches, India’s National Tree symbolises perpetual life. The tree’s massive bulk and deep roots represent the country’s togetherness.
Importance of Banyan Tree
The banyan tree is revered in Hinduism and is known as “Ashwath Vriksha” . Because of its ever-expanding branches, it depicts eternal life.
The banyan tree is also known as kalpavriksha, which literally means “wish-fulfilling holy tree.”
The banyan is featured on Indonesia’s coat of arms. It is designed to represent Indonesia’s unity: one country with many diverse roots.
In his novel Hothouse, Brian Aldiss portrays a future Earth in which a single massive banyan covers half of the planet, thanks to individual trees discovering the power to join together and drop adventitious roots.
The gigantic banyans that grow up, around, and through the walls of Ta Prohm in the Ankor Wat temple complex are well known.
The aerial prop roots of older banyan trees grow into thick woody trunks that can become indistinguishable from the main trunk as the tree ages.
These prop roots allow old trees to extend out laterally and cover a large area.
The world’s largest tree can now be located in Kolkata, India. One notable banyan tree at Hawaii’s Lahaina Courthouse Square was planted in 1873 and has grown to cover two-thirds of an acre.
Conclusion
The Banyan tree is India’s national tree, Ficus bengalensis. The Banyan, which belongs to the fig family, spreads across a broad area, takes root, and continues to live and regenerate for thousands of years. The name “banyan” is generally used to refer to Ficus benghalensis (the “Indian banyan”), the country’s national tree, while it has also been used to refer to all figs with a similar life cycle, and it has been used systematically in taxonomy to refer to the subgenus Urostigma.
