Last Updated on August 5, 2021 by
The banyan tree is one of the giants among trees. Anything in nature that is a “giant” presents all kinds of problems, and trees are no exception. For example, a giant tree has the problem of drawing moisture from the roots to the top. The trunk of the tree must be strong. A tree cannot grow too tall and remain slender, or it would break. So a giant tree must & wider at the base to support the load above it. And if the branches are large and heavy, they could pull down the trunk to one side or another.
The banyan tree is a giant tree that has solved these problems in an interesting way. It is a tree of the mulberry family, and it is found in Eastern India and Malaysia.
The most unusual thing about the banyan tree is the way its branches grow. They spread out in all directions all around the trunk. And even though the trunk is huge, it cannot support these branches. So thick roots grow from the underside of the branches directly to the ground.
When these roots take hold, they provide support and nourishment for the tree. They also develop into new trunks. The result is that the banyan tree grows more in circumference than in height. Eventually, “arcades” of these roots are formed, and a banyan tree may have a circumference that reaches 450 meters.
These arcades of roots are actually used as marketplaces by people who find it a perfect sheltered place to gather and do business. If these roots are cut, they are useful for making tent poles and the fiber is used for making rope.
The banyan tree produces tiny figs. When they become ripe they are bright red and are eaten by birds and bats.
Do Banyan Tree Gives Oxygen At Night?
Yes, the Banayan tree releases oxygen at night via Crassulacean Acid Metabolism(CAM) process and during daytime via a well-known photosynthesis process.
What is special about Banyan Tree?
A question that has come up quite often in the past few years is “what is a ‘Banyan Tree’, and what makes it different from other trees?” A Banyan Tree is different from other trees in that it can grow upwards instead of horizontally. It grows this way because the roots of a Banyan Tree are underground, and the branches come up above the ground instead of growing horizontally.
What are banyan trees used for?
The oldest documented references to the use of banyan trees come from the 11 th century, in Hindu scriptures. According to these writings, the banyan tree could be used to find lost objects, ward off evil spirits, and even provide a place to sleep. Throughout the ages, the trees have been used as shelters during battles, hospitals, and even burial sites.
Can you eat Banyan tree Fruit?
Banyan tree fruit is a plant that grows in nature. It is good natural medicine. Its fruits are called “Nag” in Hindi. Its fruits are also known as “Banyan fruit”. In the olden days, many people used to eat these fruits during the Holi festival. The fruits are also used in making various medicines.
