VAD, BANYAN TREE

Description:

Habit & Habitat– Large spreading evergreen tree, epiphytic in early life with numerous
aerial roots from the branches which thicken and ultimately become stilts. Bark grayish
brown, smooth, younger parts softly pubescent.

Leaves– elliptic-ovate, 12-18 by 5-8 cm long, margin entire, obtuse at apex, rounded at base,
coriaceous, glossy above, glabrescent of pubescent beneath, 5-7 veins, lateral veins 5-7 on
either half of midvein, looped within the margin, prominent beneath. Petiole 2-3 cm,
stipules 1.5-2.5 cm, deltoid, acute, coriaceous.

Figs– Arises in axillary pairs, sessile, globose, silky pubescent, basal bracts suborbicular.
Male and female flowers- Comes in the same receptacle. Male flowers numerous near the mouth of the receptacle, perianth segments 4, stamens 1. Gall flowers similar, with a short style, Female flowers with smaller perianth and elongated style.Syconus fruit scarlet red when ripe.