Ficus religiosa

Ficus religiosa, also known as the bodhi tree or pipal tree, is a species of fig tree that is highly revered in various religious and cultural traditions of South Asia. This tree is hardy and resistant to a variety of environmental conditions, including drought and air pollution.

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Scientific Name : Ficus religiosa

Family : Moraceae

Common Name : Bodhi Tree, Sacred Fig Tree, Pipul Tree, Budi, Pipal Tree, Pepul Tree, Bo Tree, Bodi, Ara Budi, Peepul Tree, 菩提树

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CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Growth Form : Tree

Lifespan (in Indonesia) : Perennial

BIOGEOGRAPHY

Native Distribution : Some parts of Asia

Native Habitat : Terrestrial

DESCRIPTION AND ETHNOBOTANY

Growth Form

Ficus religiosa generally grows into large trees reaching a height of 30 meters or more. The stem is large and sturdy, with a diameter that can reach several meters. This tree has branches that spread widely and often hang down. These branches can spread quite widely, giving this tree a wide canopy.

Foliage

Ficus religiosa leaves are heart-shaped with long, pointed tips. The leaves are bright green with a smooth texture. These leaves are usually large, about 10-17 cm long and 8-12 cm wide.

Flowers

These tiny flowers are very small and hidden inside the syconium, which looks like a fruit. Ficus religiosa has male, female, and gall flowers all contained within the same syconium.

Fruit

This tree produces small, round fruit, green when young and turning purple or black when ripe. This fruit is not eaten by humans, but is an important food source for birds and other animals.

Habitat

Ficus religiosa can grow in various types of soil, including alluvial soil, sandy soil, and rocky soil. This tree can also grow on concrete walls that have little water, making it very tolerant of environmental variations

LANDSCAPING FEATURES

Desirable Plant Features : Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form

Landscape Uses                  : Suitable for parks, gardens and roadsides

FAUNA, POLLINATION AND DISPERSAL

Fauna Pollination                 : Attracts Birds (Fruits), Bat Food (Fruits)

Dispersal Associated

Fauna

PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION

Light Preference : Full Sun, Semi-Shade

Water Preference : Moderate Water

Plant Growth Rate : Moderate

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