Botanical Name Ficus religiosaCommon Name Bodhi Tree, Bo-tree, Sacred

fig, Pipal, Peepul, Bo-tree fig

Local Name โพฮิ wrongFamily MoraceaeArea Of Origin Bodh Gaya in India (tropical zone) often to

be found planted near Buddhist temples.FloweringFruiting

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Dry / wet Intermediate, but loves high humiditySun / shade Prefers full sunlightAltitude 0-1200mMature Size Up to 30mGrowth Rate Fast, but it takes 100-3000 years to reach full size.Max Age Far more than 2500 years

DescriptionSeed begins growth as an epiphyte. Stem intertwined. Can grow aerial roots. White or brown shuttered bark. White (latex) sap. Leaves, heart-shaped, shiny, thin withs slender, long leaf (drip-) tips. Fruits are enclosed inflorescences, that had been pollinated internally by the specific fruit wasp Blastophaga quadraticeps to become figs which fruit in summer (green) and ripen (purple), during rainy season. Reproduction by layering, cottage and from seeds. Ethno BotanyThe bark is used traditionally in ayurvedic (indian) medicine as an antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, astringent, antidiarrheal, and in the treatment of gonorrhoea and ulcers. The leaves are used to treat skin diseases, and to regulate the menstrual cycle. Also used in the treatment of inflammations, infectious diseases and cancer. Its tender branches are used as a toothbrush to decrease signs of high fever. Fruits are used to make laxatives, latex is used as a tonic, and fruit powder to treat asthma. Ornamental tree. Buddhist symbol for Buddha, good luck and prosperity, since Siddhartha Gautama became enlightened lord Buddha, meditating under a Ficus religiosa tree. Many Buddhist temples have a planted ficus religiosa tree, (some are even offspring’s of the original Buddha-tree) they get decorated and become the centre of celebrations and rites on the Vesakh-festival, during full moon in April or May. NOTE: The oldest documented tree in human history is the Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri Lanka, (grown from a branch of the original Buddha-tree, that was destroyed in a war), with 2500 years, still counting.

Animal / Plant HostAttractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Figs are a very important, highly acclaimed fodder source for birds and various other wildlife. NOTE: Ficus religiosa can only be pollinated by its specific pollinator wasp Blastophaga quadraticeps.

http://www.phcogrev.com/article.asp?issn=0973-7847;year=2010;volume=4;issue=8;spage=195;epage=199;aulast=Chandrasekar

http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/pdf/ficus_religiosa.pdf

http://cbs.ntu.edu.tw/bodhitree/en/

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?t=k&ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=104878595977117053259.00043c704b1c09807e488&ll=19.642588,176.484375&spn=127.574573,239.0625&z=2&om=1