The Great Banyan Tree in India has an area of approximately 18,918 square meters (about 1.89 hectares or 4.67 acres), with the tree's canopy spreading like a living green canopy. Its age is considered to be more than 250 years old. This makes it one of the largest trees globally, which is located in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata, West Bengal. Amazingly, it is not a single tree, but a labyrinth of aerial roots that have grown from the main trunk, forming a vast interconnected network of branches.
The tree lost many pop roots when Cyclone Amphan passed through West Bengal on 20 May 2020. The banyan tree is often called the "King of Trees" because of its huge size and wide canopy. It is scientifically known as Ficus benghalensis. In 1999, it was recognized as the largest tree specimen in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The banyan tree roots
The banyan tree is known for its unique and attractive root system. It has aerial roots called prop roots which come from various aerial parts of the tree that touch the soil, and then become thick and stronger to support the heavy stems of the banyan tree.
This allows the tree to remain rooted to the ground even in unstable soil conditions and absorb nutrients and water from a wider area. Banyan trees offer shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds, insects, and animals, such as squirrels and monkeys. Roots also help to stabilize the soil and protect it from erosion.
An environmental haven
We all know the banyan tree is great for the environment, but did you know it also helps by soaking up carbon dioxide and giving us cleaner, fresher air to breathe? Yes, you heard it right. Here’s how the banyan tree contributes to cleaner air and climate stabilization:
-
Carbon sequestration :
The banyan tree absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide (CO₂) through photosynthesis, storing it in its large leaves and branches. Its size and long life make it excellent at reducing CO₂ in the air.
The height of the banyan tree can be from 15 to 25. A banyan tree can absorb about 540 kg of CO₂ every year. Its shade cools the surrounding environment, helping to reduce temperatures and the need for air conditioning.
-
Purifying the air :
The banyan tree acts as a natural air purifier, capturing pollutants and improving air quality. The banyan tree’s large leaves catch dust and particles, preventing them from entering our lungs. Through photosynthesis, it releases oxygen, which helps reduce air pollution and supports life.
-
Soil stabilization :
The extensive root system of banyan trees helps prevent soil erosion and land degradation. By establishing themselves in the ground, banyan roots stabilize slopes and river banks, thereby reducing the effects of natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
Economic uses
Incredible medicinal properties
Almost every part of the banyan tree has its medicinal value. For centuries, its roots, bark, leaves, and fruits have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments and inflammation. These parts contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and phenols, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
Leaves are useful for treating ailments like diarrhea and dysentery. They can be also used for treating many diseases like nausea, and vomiting.
The tree's aerial roots are used to treat dental issues, such as gum disease and toothaches, while its bark is known for managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. The milky sap (latex) of the tree can be used to kill warts and deal with inflammation.
Commercial value
In addition to their medicinal benefits, banyan trees also offer commercial value. The wood is used for making furniture, handicrafts, and musical instruments. Their leaves are sometimes used for packaging and serving food, especially in some Asian cultures.
A tourist attraction
Over the years, the Great Banyan Tree has emerged as a popular tourist attraction, attracting tourists from all over the world. Tourists are often attracted to its ancient, towering branches, making it an ideal place for photography and relaxation. Visiting these iconic trees provides a special chance for visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
Banyan trees are valuable and need to be protected and preserved for future generations. Many banyan trees worldwide are threatened by deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. Here are some ways to help protect and conserve them:
-
Plant more banyan trees :
Planting more banyan trees in public spaces, parks, gardens, or private land can help grow their population.
-
Promote sustainable practices :
Banyan trees are often decreasing due to deforestation and urbanization. Promoting sustainable practices like agroforestry and reforestation can help conserve banyan trees and their habitats.
-
Raise awareness :
Raising awareness about the significance of banyan trees and the challenges they face can inspire collective efforts toward their conservation and protection. You can do this through educational campaigns, social media, and other forms of outreach.
The banyan tree has ecological and environmental benefits that make it an important tree for conservation and protection efforts. Farmers can also benefit from growing trees under agroforestry practices, which can improve soil health and crop yields. It is our responsibility to protect and preserve these beauties of nature so that future generations can appreciate and benefit from them.
Comments
Post a Comment