Banyan

Banyan

The Banyan Ficus benghalensis is an extraordinary tree that grows in India. Its branches produce aerial roots that grow downwards and absorb moisture from the air. When they reach the ground they grow into it thus forming new "trunks" which themselves grow roots. A large tree can spread to form a whole thicket which is really just one tree. The Banyan belongs to the same genus as the fig and the rubber tree. [CH] {SS}