Ficus benghalensis

The banyan is a large, evergreen tree originating from India. The leaves are very large, shiny and a rich and refreshing green. The leaves are tinged with a reddish hue. The foliage is dense and full. The tree has an expansive canopy shape that tends to be really domed. The tree creates a lot of shade. The flowering of the tree is of no horticultural importance. Like the ficus, the tree bears a sort of fig. These figs are dark red, tending to brown, and appear in pairs among the branches. The fruit is juicy and very messy, and it’s also a favorite of winged birds. The tree puts out prominent aerial roots. Once they grow, lengthen and reach the ground, they become supporting roots that connect to the trunk and make it look very thick. As a result of the emergence of aerial roots and supporting roots, the tree has a very dramatic and sculptural appearance. Interestingly, these supporting roots sometimes “emigrate” from the original trunk and start growing as an independent tree. The underground roots of the tree are very aggressive, something that characterizes all ficuses. In keeping with its origin, the tree is sensitive to cold and chill but resistant to significant heat and dryness. It will benefit from additional watering in the summer to preserve the invigorating foliage. It is resistant to salt water spray and is second line salt tolerant. Note that the combination of the tree’s invasive roots and the tremendous shade it casts on its surroundings prevents the growth of other plants in its vicinity. It is suitable for valley and desert.

The banyan tends to lean on trees next to it until they suffocate. That’s why it’s known as the “strangler fig.” In optimal conditions it can reach a height of 20–30 meters. This is the national tree of India, and it is considered sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Additional trees from the same family:
Ficus benjamina | Ficus microcarpa | Ficus sycomorus | Ficus carica | Ficus rubiginosa | Ficus macrophylla (magnolioides) | Ficus binnendijkii | Ficus religiosa | Ficus benghalensis | Ficus palmata | Ficus barteri Sprague | Ficus lyrata