Banyan Tree, Indian Banyan

Where does Banyan Tree grow?

Found in: Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, East Africa, Egypt, Fiji, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, North Africa, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Singapore, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Thailand, United States, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 800-1000 Ficus species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 120 Ficus species in tropical America. This tree is sacred to Hindus.

Status: The figs are eaten especially by children. The buds and leaves are sold in markets.

Growing Banyan Tree, Indian Banyan

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Young branches should be used for cuttings. Cuttings root easily. One famous tree in Calcutta covers 1.6 ha.

Edible Uses: The ripe figs are eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. They are sweet. They can also be dried. The young shoots are used as a famine food. The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable and are a famine food.

Production: In India fruit are available June to September.

Nutrition Info

Banyan Tree, Indian Banyan Photos

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