The official tree of the Union Territory of Delhi is the Flamboyant (or Gulmohar), known scientifically as Delonix regia. While the Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is the national tree of India, the Flamboyant is designated as the state tree for Delhi. It is known for its vibrant red/orange flowers and expansive canopy.
"Banyan" often specifically denotes Ficus benghalensis (the "Indian banyan"), which is the national tree of India, though the name has also been generalized to denominate all figs that share a common life cycle and used systematically in taxonomy to denominate the subgenus Urostigma.
Ficus benghalensis, Ficus indica, or Ficus audrey commonly known as the banyan, banyan fig, audrey fig and Indian banyan, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Specimens in India are among the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage.
A large tall deciduous tree. Trunk is short, thick, often fluted and exudes milky latex. Bark is yellowish or grey brown, smooth and become scaly with age. Leaves are large with wavy margins and long stalk, heart-shaped at base with very long pointed tip.
The banyan tree is a marvel of nature, distinguished by several unique physical traits that set it apart from other trees. One of its most remarkable features is its aerial roots. These roots grow from the branches and descend to the ground, creating a network that can spread over a vast area.
This 5100-year-old Banyan Tree is nothing short of miraculous. Akshay Vat Vatika towering height of 150 feet and sprawling roots are enough to intimidate anyone.
Hindi is also the official language of Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Chhattisgarh, one of the dialects of Hindi, namely Chhattisgarhi, has recently been made the official language of the state.
The Bodhi Tree (banyan) is specially revered, and there are numerous large banyan trees in India. Matsya Purana, a Hindu text, has a Sanskrit language shloka (hymn), which explains the importance of reverence of ecology in Hinduism.
Lotus is India's national flower. The 'Lotus' or water lily, an aquatic plant of the Nymphaea family, has the honour of being India's National Flower. The large, appealing pink blossoms feature symmetrically arranged petals and broad floating petals that give the impression of serenity and elegance.
Peepal and banyan trees are both important to the environment and have many similarities, including their long lifespans, ability to tolerate stress, and role in providing habitats and food for animals . Banyan trees can live up to 500 years, while peepal trees can live up to 2,500 years.
The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) has been deemed the oldest tree in existence, reaching an age of over 5,000 years old. The bristlecone pine's success in living a long life can be attributed to the harsh conditions it lives in.
Red sandalwood from Andhra Pradesh stands as India's most expensive wood, celebrated worldwide for its striking deep red colour, rich texture, and natural elegance.
Located in Madhya Pradesh, the Sanchi Stupa is one of the oldest stone structures in India, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Built by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty, this Buddhist monument is renowned for its intricately carved gateways (toranas) and the Great Stupa, which enshrines the relics of Lord Buddha.
Growing a banyan tree requires a lot of space, as mature trees become quite large. This tree should not be planted near foundations, driveways, streets or even your home, as its canopy alone can spread quite far. In fact, a banyan tree can get up to about 100 feet (30 m.) tall and spread over several acres.
As per Hindu traditions, the Trimurti resides in various parts of a Banyan Tree. Lord Brahma in the roots, Lord Vishnu in the bark and Lord Shiva in the aerial roots. The Vata Vriksha is also known to be the home of Lord Shiva. A banyan tree is considered immortal and free from change.
National Fruit of India – Mango National Fruit of India - Mango - Designated as the King of all fruits by Indians since long, ripe fleshy mangoes are certainly very tasty. The raw ones can be used to make spicy pickles that are an important part of Indian cuisine.
The Panchavati, or the five sacred trees- Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Belpatra (Aegle marmelos), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), and Ashoka (Saraca asoca) hold immense cultural, medicinal, and ecological significance in Indian traditions.
