Ficus benghalensis (Banyan, Bo Tree, Grove Tree)


Botanical Information

FamilyMoraceae
GenusFicus
Speciesbenghalensis
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginSouth Asia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H2
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-1 - 4
Temperature (°F)30 - 40
Height30 m
Spread200 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAn extremely large tree with leaves that emerge bronze and mature to green. A famous specimen near Poona, India is said to have a canopy that measured 700 m in diameter.
ShapeSpreading crown.
LandscapeGrown as an ornamental tree in very large gardens or parks.
PropagationPropagate by seed.
CultivationGrow in full sun, being careful not to over water as this causes yellowing and leaf-drop.
Bark/Stem DescriptionCanopy of heavy branches is supported by a large number of secondary trunks.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are leathery, emerging bronze and maturing to green, to 25x17 cm.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are unisexual.
Fruit DescriptionFigs appear in pairs on the twigs, to 1.8 cm in diameter, and emerge orange-red and ripening to scarlet with a smattering of indistinct white specks.

Photographs