Banyan Fig ( Ficus benghalensis ) is a large evergreen tree, with a huge canopy; that is hugely popular with bonsai growers. More recently this species has become a bit of a sensation as an indoor plant, where it is often named the ‘Audrey Fig’. Many in the horticultural industry believe its popularity will overtake that of the famous Fiddle Leaf Fig; which can be a little trickier to care for.
The Banyan Fig has large thick oval leaves, similar to the Ficus elastica leaf but it is the developed trunk that really is the main feature and show stopper of this particular plant.
In it’s natural habitat in India & Pakistan this species is well renowned for it’s cultural and religious significance and is sacred to both Hindu’s and Buddhist’s. The Banyan is the largest trees in the world in regards to canopy span, with the biggest one known in Andhra Pradesh, India which attracts tourists from far and wide, and for good reason; it is a magnificent tree.
This species is native to the Indian Subcontinent and has many other names including Indian Banyan Fig; Audrey Fig; Strangler Fig; Banyan Tree; Peepal; Bengal Fig and Bahupada.
Growth
The Ficus benghalensis is a faster growing fig that can reach 20-30 metres in height. However, it is the large canopy it develops that can span on average 50-100 metres; that is truly amazing. It holds up its large canopy by sending out aerial roots that develop into pillar like trunks for support, certainly why it is so popular as a bonsai specimen. The leaves are green and oval in shape, growing up to approximately 20 cm in length. Fruit grows to around 2 cm in diameter and although not toxic are inedible to humans.
Don’t be put off growing the Ficus benghalensis just because of its huge size, it is easily kept at any size required in a pot or with pruning. We don’t recommend attempting to grow this species to a full size tree unless you live on acreage and have the room; it can damage footpaths and other structures if planted too close.
The Banyan Fig is native to Sub-Tropical and Tropical regions but can be grown as an ornamental potted plant in any climate when kept indoors over the colder months. Will grow outdoors in warmer Temperate climates but will need protection from cold winds and frosts; especially while juvenile. Drought tolerant once established like most Ficus species. Indoors will cope with a shadier spot but prefers indirect light, direct sunlight can burn juvenile leaves.
*Seeds of this species are imported from India*
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
3°C to 38°C / 37 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil types, growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Part Shade while young, hardening off to full sun with age.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 metres (98 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 100 metres (330 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by fig wasps, Monoecious.
MATURITY:
3-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-87%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
1800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, This species has multiple potential uses in human medicine including wound healing; anti-diabetic; anti-stress; antibacterial; anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes, in Singapore, Bahamas and Queensland.
EDIBLE:
No – although not toxic.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 1-2 years
FACTS ABOUT FICUS BENGHALENSIS (Banyan Fig)
Alexander the Great is said to have camped under a Banyan Tree that was big enough to shelter his whole army of 7,000 men!
The Great Banyan is the largest known specimen of this tree and is aged at approximately 250 years. The tree survives without its initial trunk which was removed in 1925 because of decay. It stands at 24.5 metres tall and spans almost 500 metres in circumference with over 3750 aerial roots; taking up nearly 5 acres!
The species is also called a Strangler Fig due to its nature of attaching itself to host plants and eventually killing them.
