How does the banyan tree grow?

Banyan trees are among the most spectacular trees in the world. A fully grown banyan tree looks like a group of trees, and some of them have even 1000 trunks.

These ‘trunks’ are actually rope like roots that grow downwards from the branches. When the roots reach the ground, they anchor themselves to the soil and become individual trunks.

The tree bears fruits that look like figs. The fruits, which appear red in colour when matured, are not edible.

The dark green leaves of the tree are large and leathery. An old banyan tree can reach more than 199 metres in diameter and can be as tall as 29 metres.

Historical records say that Alexander the Great camped under a banyan tree that was large enough to provide shelter to his army of 7000 men.

The banyan tree, found in India and Sri Lanka, is considered to be as sacred tree, and is the national tree of our country. Its huge structure, deep roots, and branches symbolize the country’s unity in diversity.  

 

Picture Credit : Google