Banyan Tree
Ficus benghalensis
Name
| Marathi: | वड |
Biological Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Spermatophyta |
| Sub-Division: | Angiospermae |
| Class: | Dicotyledonae |
| Sub-Class: | Monochlamydeae |
| Series: | Unisexuales |
| Order: | -- |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Sub-Family: | -- |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Species: | benghalensis |
Advantages
- Its latex is anthelmintic in nature and is used to kill intestinal worms.
- Due to its large canopy, it provides good shade.
Interesting Facts
- It possess roots which grow downward to the direction of the soil, and are called aerial roots.
- Many species of Ficus are host to Indian Lac Insects.
Description
- It is a large evergreen tree which is usually grown close to temples.
- It has a great cultural and religious significance.
- The festival of Vat Purnima is related to this tree.
- It bears flowers which are indeed packed inside spherical fruit-like structure called Hypanthodium.
- Ficus benghalensis L.
