The Sacred Fig ( Ficus religiosa ) is a deciduous tree that is native to parts of south and south-east Asia. This species is truly spectacular and has many attributes that make it special. Besides having significant religious value in Buddhism; Hinduism and Jainism, it has aerial roots, buttressing roots and beautiful heart shaped leaves with a long drooping apex; which is very different from other Ficus species. The Sacred Fig is also a very popular bonsai species.
This species is well known due to its cultural and religious significance and is considered sacred; hence its common name. The Sacred Fig is believed to have been the tree under which Buddha was sitting; and whilst meditating gained enlightenment. It is still common for meditation practices to be performed under these trees.
Ficus religiosa has many common names including the Bodhi Tree; Peepal Tree; Ashwattha Tree; Bo Tree; Pipal Tree; Peepul Tree; Pippala Tree and Arachu.
Growth
The Ficus religiosa is a faster growing fig that can reach 15-30 metres in height and often a larger width; particularly in its natural regions where it is able to send down aerial roots. The trunks can reach diameters of 3 metres. The above ground roots of the Sacred Fig are not generally as far spreading as many other Ficus species, staying closer to the base of the tree.
The leaves are the distinguishing feature of this Ficus; they are cordate (heart shaped) in shape; and have a long thin tail. During drier periods the leaves may become deciduous, they are not as drought tolerant as other Ficus. The small fruit ripens to red and contrary to popular belief; is edible and cultivated in India for this purpose.
This species is classed as a strangler fig; however is technically not a strangler; instead of aerial roots growing down the outside of host trees like other stranglers, the Sacred Fig will burrow their way inside the host tree, grow and eventually splitting the host open!
The Sacred Fig is native to Sub-Tropical and Tropical regions, however can also be grown in warm Temperate climates. It is easily grown in pots in colder climates and taken indoors over winter. In Temperate climates they will require protection from cold winds and frosts; especially while juvenile. Indoors they prefer a well lit location.
*Seeds imported from India*
FAMILY:
Moraceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate – Tropical (Indoors in Cold Climates)
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0°C to 38°C / 37 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist well draining soil types, growing best in nutrient rich soils.
LOCATION:
Full sun preferred, will tolerate part shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 metres (98 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 metres (98 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.2
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous to semi-evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by fig wasps, Monoecious.
MATURITY:
4-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
52-84%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-3 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, extracts from the tree are used in traditional medicine.
INVASIVE:
Possibly in Hawaii
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge). 1 year
FACTS ABOUT FICUS RELIGIOSA (Sacred Fig)
Ficus religiosa has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and some studies have been conducted. Efficacy in many of these traditional uses do have merit. Some of the uses of extracts form this tree were antibacterial; antimicrobial; antifungal; antidiabetic; antioxidant and immunostimulant.
This tree can live for up to 3000 years! A cutting grown from the tree that the Buddha was said to receive enlightenment under, was planted in Sri Lanka in 288 BC. This tree is still alive today; making it well over 2000 years old! It is the oldest living human planted, flowering tree in the world.
