Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as the banyan, banyan fig and Indian banyan is a huge tree belonging to the Mulberry family Moraceae. The tree is native to tropical Asia, from India through Myanmar, Thailand, southern China, and Malaysia. It is also cultivated and naturalized in many tropical regions of the world including western Africa, North America, the West Indies, Australia, the Middle East, and many islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Specimens in India are among the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage. Known in Hindu folklore as ‘the wish-fulfilling tree’, banyans represent eternal life.
Few of the popular common names of the tree are Banyan fig, Banyan tree, East Indian fig tree, Indian banyan, Weeping Chinese banyan, Bengal banyan, Bengal fig, Horn fig, banyan and vada tree.
The common name Banyan is derived from ‘Banias’, who rested under the trees to discuss their plans and policies regarding business. The specific epithet benghalensis refers that plants are native to Bengal.
The tradition of worshiping sacred trees is prevalent among the people following Hinduism, since ages. Married Hindu women worship the Banyan tree to lead a long and happy married life.
