Ficus benghalensis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ficus benghalensis
F. benghalensis shoot in Karnataka, India
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Urticales Family: Moraceae Genus: Ficus Species: F. benghalensis
Binomial name
Ficus benghalensis L.

Ficus benghalensis, also known as Bengal fig, Indian fig, East Indian fig, Indian Banyan or simply Banyan, also borh and wad or Vad/Vat, is a species of banyan endemic to Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. It can grow into a giant tree covering several hectares. The Great Banyan in the Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, is considered to be one of the largest tree in the world in terms of area covered. Ficus benghalensis produces prop roots which grow downwards as slender vine. Once these roots reach the ground, they take root and grow into woody trunks that can become indistinguishable from the main trunk.

The figs are eaten by birds and mammals. Fig seeds are dispersed by birds such as the Indian Mynas and studies have shown that seeds that pass through the digestive system of the bird are more likely to germinate as well as sprout earlier.^[1]

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Bar or Bargad Ficus benghalensis L., hort.purdue.edu

[edit] Gallery

leaf & ripe figs in Hyderabad, India.

trunk in Hyderabad, India.

in Hyderabad, India.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Female looking for ripe figs in Hyderabad, India.