The banyan is the largest tree in the world when it comes to canopy covers. Andhra Pradesh in India has the largest banyan tree which covers 19,108 square meters, it is about 260 years old, 24 m tall and have over 2 500 aerial shoots.
There are 750 species of fig trees and the Banyan tree is one of them and has strangler figs. It is native to India and is their national tree, it is considered sacred and is a symbol of long life. Many believe that it is an immortal tree due to its long lifespan.
This tree is an epiphyte, grows off the branches of a host tree which they then later destroy. They have thin fibrous aerial roots that becomes like branches when they are firmly rooted into the soil. Nothing can grow under the shade of this tree.
The tree provides lots of fruit which are edible. It has medicinal properties which help with irritations, swelling, diarrhea, nausea, rheumatism and stops bleeding. They make excellent Bonsais.
