This very large tree has an upright pale grey trunk with horizontal spreading branches that produce reddish aerial roots for support. It has dark glossy green leathery elliptical leaves and the red figs are produced in pairs during summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Ficus benghalensisis naturally found from India to Burma, and Thailand to south-east Asia growing in tropical forests.

It prefers moist well-drained, fertile soils in an open sunny position and tolerates drought or high temperatures but is frost tender.

Banyan Tree is grown for its habit and is planted in large gardens or parks as a specimen. It is also grown in botanical collections and is suitable for tropical settings. It establishes in 2 to 4 years requiring ample moisture and small plants are grown in cold climates as a glasshouse specimen. This is a large tree and care should be taken when planting, as roots will damage structures or pipes. ID 1789

Note:
This is the largest spreading tree in the world and mature specimens are over 5,000 years old covering over one acre from a single tree. It produces dense curtains of reddish aerial roots (prop roots), which in turn form secondary trunks, supporting the spreading horizontal branches and is the sacred tree of India.

Ficus(FEE-kus) benghalensis(BEN-gah-LEN-sis)

Moraceae (mor-AY-see-ee)
Figs and Mulberries