Ficus benghalensis
Ficus benghalensis, Ficus indica, or Ficus audrey commonly known as the banyan, banyan fig, audrey fig and Indian banyan, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens in India are among the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage. It is also known as a "strangler fig" because like many other trees in the genus Ficus it starts out as epiphyte, that is, leaning on another tree that it ends up enveloping.
History & Culture
History, cultural references, and traditional context for Ficus benghalensis.
Historical Background
Ficus benghalensis, Ficus indica, or Ficus audrey commonly known as the banyan, banyan fig, audrey fig and Indian banyan, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens in India are among the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage. It is also known as a "strangler fig" because like many other trees in the genus Ficus it starts out as epiphyte, that is, leaning on another tree that it ends up enveloping.