SPREAD LIKE A BANYAN TREE
U.S. Moinuddin, amidst the aerial roots of a Banyan Tree Banyan tree (Ficus Benghalensis) is highly regarded in Indian culture and occupies the pride of place amongst the sacred trees of India. In the rural parts of India, a Banyan tree acts as the focal point of the village panchayat, and also as a gathering place for village councils and meetings. It has aerial roots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks. The roots coming out of the branches are at first as slender as cotton threads. Gradually, as they grow longer, they anchor themselves in the ground. The roots grow into mighty pillars, supporting the weight of the heaviest branches. The leaves are large, leathery, glossy green in colour, and elliptical in shape, they are also used as animal fodder. Young leaves of the Banyan tree have an attractive reddish tinge. The fruits of the tree are green and hard at first, soon they turn red and soft in texture. Birds and monkeys relish these f...