Bot or Banyan, Ficus benghalensis

Bot or Banyan (Ficus benghalensis, family: Moraceae) is the largest canopy-holder tree of the world. It can spread up to 2000 feet of land. It is said by its scientific name that, this mammoth tree is native to the Great Bengal area (both Bangladesh and West Bengal of India) of Indian subcontinent.

Fruits are round fig. When ripe these turn to vivid red or orange. Fruits are eaten by the Common crow, Indian myna, Green dove, Oriole etc. These birds help the propagation of this tree.

The picture is taken from the premise of Bangla Academy, Dhaka University area

Aerial prop roots of  the plant

Bot or Banyan tree is the national tree of India. In this sub-continent few Banyan trees are familiar to all. In Andhra Pradesh a Banyan tree has been identified as about 550 years old. It bears 3000 aerial prop roots and stand up on 2000 feet of land. In Shibpur Botanical Garden, Kolkata, proudly cherish a 200 years old Banyan tree. In Bangladesh (Mallikpur, Jhinaidah) a ancient Banyan tree has been standing up to protect the area from natural disasters for many many years.