Question

Name the national tree of India.

Answer 1

Indian fig tree, also termed as Banyan tree is the National tree of India. Ficus Bengalensis is the scientific name of national tree of India.

Why Indian fig tree is considered as the national tree of India?

• The tree is considered as sacred in Hindu philosophy
• The tree is often regarded as the symbol of the fabled ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ or the ‘Tree of Wish Fulfilment’ as it is associated with longevity and has important medicinal properties
• For centuries the banyan tree has been a central point for the village communities of India to come under the tree and discuss about the happenings in the village
• In Hindu religion, the banyan tree is called “Ashwath Vriksha”and it represents eternal life due to its seemingly ever-expanding branches
• It is found all over the country
• Easily identified by the common man
• The largest Banayan tree is now found in Kolkata in West Bengal
• One popular Banyan tree was planted in 1873 in Lahaina’s Courthouse Square in Hawaii and now it has grown up and covers two-thirds of an acre