National Tree of India: The Banyan (Bargad) tree is the National tree of India also known as the Indian fig tree. Its scientific name is Ficus bengalensis and it grows across a large area. Everyone can observe banyan trees everywhere in India in spite of the region and climate, which can be one of the main reasons to give it as a national tree. The tree is viewed as a holy tree in Hindu philosophy. For ages, the banyan tree has been a central point for the village areas of India to come under the tree and discuss the incidents in the village.
Indian Banyan tree is considered eternal and is a necessary element of the myths and legends of India. The tree is often a symbol of the mythical ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ or the ‘Tree of Wish Fulfillment’ as it is compared with longevity and has great remedial properties. Also, have a look at the complete details about the National Tree of India via the below sections. Moreover, you can also check out the other India GK Topics from our provided General Knowledge Article.
Overview About National Tree of India
- Name: Banyan
- Scientific Name: Ficus benghalensis
- Adopted in: 1950
- Found in: Native to Indian Subcontinent
- Habitat: Terrestrial
- Conservation Status: Not-threatened
- Type: Figs
- Dimensions: 10-25 m in height; branch span up to 100 m
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Image of Indian Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)
Scientific Classification of the Indian National Tree
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Urticales
- Family: Moraceae
- Genus: Ficus
- Species: Ficus benghalensis
Importance of Banyan Tree
- The National Tree of India is the Banyan Tree also known as Ashwath Vriksha that provides eternal life because of its evidently growing branches.
- People in the Hindu religion consider this banyan tree as divine. In Bhagavad Gita, there is a line on our national tree – “I am Banyan tree among trees”.
- Also, the banyan tree is called Kalpavriksha meaning ‘wish-fulfilling divine tree’.
- The banyan is one of the coats of arms of Indonesia. The national tree represents the unity of Indonesia: one country with many far-flung roots.
- Brian Aldiss, in his novel Hothouse, narrates a future Earth where a sole large banyan covers half of the world, because of the truth that individual trees identify the capability to merge, in addition, to drop adventitious roots.
- Ta Prohm in the Ankor Wat temple complex is famous for the huge banyans that grow up, around, and through its walls.
- Old trees can expand sideways through these prop roots to cover a vast area.
- Ancient banyan trees are characterized by their ethereal prop roots that expand into thick woody trunks with age, can become identical from the main trunk.
- Such a big tree is now discovered in Kolkata in India. One popular banyan tree planted in Lahaina’s Courthouse Square in Hawaii in the year 1873. It has grown to now cover two-thirds of an acre.
FAQs on Indian Banyan or Indian Fig Tree
1. Is Banyan Tree The national tree of India?
Yes, the Banyan tree is the national tree of India and it specially entitles Ficus benghalensis (“Indian Banyan”).
2. What is the Indian national tree name & scientific name?
Indian Fig Tree also called Banyan Tree. The scientific name of the national tree of India is Ficus Bengalensis.
3. Why is the Banyan Tree important to India?
In Ancient Indian History and Hindu mythology, the Banyan tree portrays the divine originator and represents longevity. Also, the tree furnishes the fulfillment of wishes and offers material gains.
4. Where is the National tree of India is located?
Banyan Tree is located across the country.