TreeRM

Peepal

Ficus religiosa 路 Moraceae 路 also Pipal, Sacred fig, Bo tree, Bodhi tree, Ashvattha

The sacred fig of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, a spreading tree of about 20 m with a trunk 1.5 to 2 m across and heart-shaped leaves on long stalks that tremble in the slightest breeze. It begins life as an epiphyte and will root into walls, bridges and temple masonry, so it is cherished but also cracks foundations and pavements. Planted at temples, village squares and roadsides across South Asia and lopped for fodder.

Broadleaf, drops leavesFast growingFull sunModerate water
Peepal
Wikimedia Commons, file Ficus_religiosa_Bo.jpg (see file page for author and licence)

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚙馃嚛 Bangladeshsource
  • 馃嚠馃嚦 India 路 Planted in every state; sacredsource
  • 馃嚥馃嚥 Myanmar (Burma)source
  • 馃嚦馃嚨 Nepalsource
  • 馃嚨馃嚢 Pakistansource

Adapted

  • 馃嚤馃嚢 Sri Lanka 路 Introduced (the Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura) per WCVPsource
  • 馃嚬馃嚟 Thailand 路 Introduced per WCVPsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United States 路 Introduced per WCVP; not on the FISC listsource

Care

Plant only where its roots can spread freely, well away from buildings and pipes; it is near impossible to remove once established in masonry. Water the first season; it needs little afterwards. Pollard or lop in the dry season if grown for fodder. Few serious pests apart from leaf galls and scale.

Benefits

ShadeBirdsWildlifeLong livedFast canopy

Good for

parksYard shadeStreet tree

Watch out for

Large rootsSurface rootsHeavy litter