Page 9 - Jan-Mar 2017

VOl. 14 No. 1

BaNyaN DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Vrukshayurveda, the
Tree: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan) science of plant life and also a 10th-
family: Moraceae century treatise:
Sanskrit Name: Nyagrodhapaadapa
‘He who plants a couple of banyan trees
The banyan tree is the national tree of india. would go to the Abode of Siva.’
its huge structure, long and deep roots and Smrithi Naidu, IX, Epistemo Global Vikas
branches symbolise india’s unity. it is an Leadership School, Telangana
evergreen tree with a canopy of dark green
leaves. The main trunk of this tree is actually
an amalgamation of several aerial roots. in
indian folktales, it is considered a generous
ruler that nourishes one and all. The banyan
is mentioned in many ancient indian texts
and scriptures, and is considered as the PaLaSH
divine creator symbolising longevity. in hindu Tree: Butea monosperma (Flame of the Forest)
mythology, the tree is believed to provide family: Fabaceae
the fulfillment of wishes and provide material Sanskrit Name: Kishuk
gains.
it is a medium-sized dry season-deciduous tree. its
bright vermilion-red flowers bloom in the months
of March and april every year. The colour extracted
from these flowers is used as a dye and as a source
of colour during holi. The Palash tree is said to be
a form of agni, the god of fire. according to hindu
mythology, Palash was punished by goddess
Parvati for disturbing her and lord shiva's privacy.
In Telangana region, these flowers are used in the
worship of lord shiva during shivratri festival. The
bright orange flowers are pollinated by squirrels,
parrots, bees and other insects.
tHE MiGHty BaNyaN...

The biggest banyan tree in the world is
recorded from a small village of gotte bayalu
in anantapur district of andhra Pradesh. it is
estimated that it is spread across 2 hectares
and at a time 20,000 people
can take shelter under
the tree. but from
the ancient times, a
mighty banyan known
as Kabirbadh was
discovered in the Narmada
island. it had 320 huge
trunks and had more
than 3000 prop-roots.
Illustration by: G.L. Maheshwari IX,
Kakinada Public School, Kakinada
Royal Public School, Salem

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