The Banyan tree is a fig tree and is massive. Instead of growing like other trees from a seed, this one does something strange. It acts like a vine and propagates itself using "host" plants to establish its entangled trunks and broad branches.
So it figuratively "walks" along by putting down roots wherever and however it can, and then once it's taken hold, it keeps putting down roots laterally as far as it can go! Its canopy is thick with leaves and provides ample shade, creating a surreal tunnel the older it gets.
THE BANYAN TREE LEAVES are large, about 4-8" long and 3-6" across. They are thick and leathery, and their hue is green to olive.
ROOTS OF THE BANYAN TREE are aerial, above the ground, that mature into thick trunks.
BANYAN TREE SCENT is fine like a sweet floral fragrance.
TREE FRUIT is a fig. However unlike many figs, the reddish fruit of the Banyan tree is barely edible to humans. but feeds many kinds of birds and primates.
THE NATIVE REGION is India. It doesn't grow well in the cold climates of the U.S. It does flourish south of Miami, FL.
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. These trees hold great significance in Hinduism and are considered sacred because of its ability to live for centures and is considered God's shelter.
HEALTH BENEFITS have been used as a source of medicine for years. People in Nepal use the root, leaf, and bark to heal many health conditions.
THE LARGEST BANYAN TREE is in India at a Botanical Garden. It spreads over 3.5 acres, is over 80' tall, and over 250 years old. The largest one is the U.S. is in Lahaina, Hawaii and is belived to be 150 years old. The largest tree in Florida is in Fort Myers located at the entrance of the Edison & Ford winter estates. Thomas Edison brought his tree to FL in the late 1800's.