Of all the trees in the world, probably the most distinctive in shape and form is the banyan tree. Originally, the word "banyan" was used exclusively as the common name for Ficus benghalensis, a tree native to India; now, however, banyan is used justas commonly for other trees in the genus that have a similar habit and lifestyle. The word was picked up by the Portuguese and, later, the English to refer to the merchants, or banias, who took advantage of the shade and cool air under the canopy of thebanyan trees to sell their products. Hence, banya actually referred to "merchant or grocer" rather than to the tree. Today, the meaning has shifted to the tree rather than the people who are gathered to do business in its shelter. The fruits of a banyantree are consumed by birds or bats, and the sticky seeds are commonly deposited on branches in the crown of another tree. When a seed germinates in a tree-top, the seedling grows as an epiphyte upon the host tree.
展开▼
