The average life span of an Indian banyan tree is thought to be more than 1000 years, although no valid records of this can be cited. The natural propagation of the trees happen through the seeds, however, just like the case of the Indian banyan trees, they need enough space to grow up. Even though the roots of peepal trees also grow deep and large and woody in time, they are not aerial. The fruits are eaten by birds, monkeys and bats. In many parts of rural India, it is still a tradition to gather under a banyan tree or peepal tree when there are issues to be discussed and decisions to be made. It is a symbol of pride and a matter of great importance for the womenfolks of India. Apart from all these medicinal uses, banyan tree is considered a sacred tree in India and is worshipped. I didn't know of that yet, but I am going to read more about that now. It is believed that peepal tree emits the pranic energy, which is helpful in achieving the enlightenment in the life. A banyan, also spelled "banian", is a fig that begins its life as an epiphyte, i.e. If at any time, I could gather more information on the use of banyan trees and peepal trees with regards to medicine and such, I will add them to the article. VioletteRose (author) from Atlanta on October 23, 2014: Thanks so much for reading Alun, and I am so sorry for the late reply. The banana tree is considered an equivalent to the householder, while the Banyan is considered and equivalent to the hermit. An excellent treatment for tooth decay is a mix of Peepal and Banyan tree barks. To Buddhists, pipal is a symbol of nirvana (enlightenment). This is known as the Great Indian Banyan tree which is more than 250 years old and it covers an area of about 4 acres. Updated: Apr 27, 2018, 06:35 AM IST. However, for the young plants to grow properly, either the seeds have to germinate where there is enough space for the roots to grow, or someone has to replant it in well drained and prepared soil. Banyan (Bargad) National Tree of India Let me first start with Banyan tree One might NOT believe me but the Banyan Tree is being considered as to be the national tree of India. An organism’s lifespan can depend on the species. The acquainted and widespread Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is a relative of the Peepal, as are Gular/Dumar (Ficus racemosa), Pukar (Ficus Benjamina) and Kamarup (Ficus microcarpa). It's really quite an evocative sight to see, particularly for Buddhists who regard the tree as sacred. FlourishAnyway from USA on April 23, 2014: These are beautiful trees I have never personally encountered, and I enjoyed learning about them. 162 likes. Both Indian banyan trees and the peepal trees are very similar species, in fact different varieties with in the fig trees, with much similarity in appearance and other features. The same way, the banyan tree represents … Apparently, the leaves and other parts of sacred figs are used in many traditional medicines too, although honestly I am not very well aware about the exact uses of the Indian banyan trees and peepal trees in medicines. I like learning about plants. It's not because the word बर also means husband in Nepali :). Indian Banyan tree is the National tree of India. One day, about 500 B.C., a 35-year-old man was walking along a dusty road near the town of Gaya, northern India. Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family.It is also known as the bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, peepal tree or ashwattha tree (in India and Nepal). PEEPAL TREE AND BANYAN TREE – THE TWIN FLAME. Alun. They prefer full sunlight and can grow in … Book a luxurious stay with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. They water the plant in the month of vaishakh and at times of difficulty. The Indian Banyan trees are considered very sacred in Hinduism. Thanks for sharing this wonderful hub, great photos too! The banyan tree is the taller of the two, grown up to 100 feet. The banyan has aerial roots and is grown as a houseplant. As I mentioned above, Indian banyan trees and peepal trees are considered very sacred trees by both Hindus and Buddhists. I always thought बर (Banyan) was the husband of पीपल (Peepal). Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this native deciduous tree of India. The picture in the introduction module is downloaded from Wikimedia Commons Image, which shows a Peepal tree in the front area and an Indian banyan tree in the background. Greensleeves Hubs from Essex, UK on October 24, 2014: Thanks VioletteRose for your reply. The figs of the tree house the flowers and grow in pairs. A peepal tree is planted to the east of the house or temple. Even though the roots of peepal trees also grow deep and large and woody in time, they are not aerial. Pipal has broad, heart-shaped leaves, ending in a long, tapering point. Both the trees have joined together into one . Some of the examples are Tulsi ( The sacred plant of Indian Hindu Culture), Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa) and Audumbar Tree (Ficus racemosa).. Both Indian banyan trees and the peepal trees are very similar species, in fact different varieties with in the fig trees, with much similarity in appearance and other features. I have a picture on one of my pages, but typing the two words 'banyan' and 'Ayutthaya' into Google Images will bring up dozens of photos of the Buddha head embraced by a banyan tree. Voted up. His name was Siddharta Gautama, by his followers called The Buddha (‘The Enlightened One’). Demas W Jasper from Today's America and The World Beyond on April 25, 2020: I understand that the next Buddha will be found praying under a Banyan tree. The banyan trees usually reach a height of about 30 meters, however in terms of circumference, an almost grown tree can cover an area of about 1 acre. Eventually, the host tree is strangled to death, and as its trunk decays, it leaves the pipal tree, standing as a hollow cylinder of aerial roots. In Hindu legends, there have been mentions about sages who go into 'tapas' or deep mediations for years, under these trees. It is believed that the largest banyan tree in the world is located in the Botanic garden in Kolkata, India. I agree with you, actually the banyan tree is more popularly known but the pipal tree is something many have not heard of. Why do I mention the Indian Banyan tree and the Peepal tree together? 12 years after the tree has been planted, the banyan was the groom enjoyed this hub very much VioletteRose! But these are not aerial the personification of Buddha B.C., a man. 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