Ficus religiosa - Revision history

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	'''''Ficus religiosa''''' or '''sacred fig''' is a species of [[Ficus\|fig]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref name="EB1911">{{cite EB1911\|wstitle=Peepul\|volume=21\|page=45}}</ref> and [[Indochina]]<ref name="GRIN">{{GRIN \| name = ''Ficus religiosa'' \| access-date = 29 January 2017}}</ref> that belongs to [[Moraceae]], the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the '''bodhi tree''',<ref>''Oxford English Dictionary'', Oxford University Press, 1971, p. 1014</ref> '''pippala tree''', '''peepul tree''',<ref name=EB1911/> '''peepal tree''', '''pipal tree''',{{cn\|date=June 2021}} or '''[[Ashvattha\|~~ashvattha tree~~]]''' (in India and Nepal).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html\|title=Ficus religiosa — Peepal\|publisher=Flowers of India\|access-date=3 November 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214150730/http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html\|archive-date=14 February 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref> The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. Hindu and Jain ascetics consider the species to be sacred and often meditate under it. This is the tree under which [[Gautama Buddha]] is believed to have attained enlightenment. The sacred fig is the [[List of Indian state symbols\|state tree]] of the Indian states of [[Odisha]]<ref>{{citation \| url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/orissa/state-symbols.html \|title=State symbols}}</ref> and [[Haryana]].		'''''Ficus religiosa''''' or '''sacred fig''' is a species of [[Ficus\|fig]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref name="EB1911">{{cite EB1911\|wstitle=Peepul\|volume=21\|page=45}}</ref> and [[Indochina]]<ref name="GRIN">{{GRIN \| name = ''Ficus religiosa'' \| access-date = 29 January 2017}}</ref> that belongs to [[Moraceae]], the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the '''bodhi tree''',<ref>''Oxford English Dictionary'', Oxford University Press, 1971, p. 1014</ref> '''pippala tree''', '''peepul tree''',<ref name=EB1911/> '''peepal tree''', '''pipal tree''',{{cn\|date=June 2021}} or '''[[Ashvattha tree\|Ashvattha]]''' (in India and Nepal).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html\|title=Ficus religiosa — Peepal\|publisher=Flowers of India\|access-date=3 November 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214150730/http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html\|archive-date=14 February 2012\|url-status=dead}}</ref> The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. Hindu and Jain ascetics consider the species to be sacred and often meditate under it. This is the tree under which [[Gautama Buddha]] is believed to have attained enlightenment. The sacred fig is the [[List of Indian state symbols\|state tree]] of the Indian states of [[Odisha]]<ref>{{citation \| url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/orissa/state-symbols.html \|title=State symbols}}</ref> and [[Haryana]].

	==Description==		==Description==

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{{Short description|Species of fig}}
{{For|the large tree in Bodh Gaya|Bodhi Tree}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Speciesbox
|name = Sacred fig
|image = Ficus religiosa Bo.jpg
|image_caption = The tree trunk and distinctive heart-shaped leaves
|genus = Ficus
|species = religiosa
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]] 1753 not [[Forssk.]] 1775
|synonyms_ref = <ref>[http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2812027 The Plant List, ''Ficus religiosa'' L. ]</ref>
|synonyms =
*''Ficus caudata'' Stokes
*''Ficus peepul'' Griff.
*''Ficus religiosa'' var. ''cordata'' Miq.
*''Ficus religiosa'' var. ''rhynchophylla'' Miq.
*''Ficus rhynchophylla'' Steud.
*''Ficus superstitiosa'' Link
*''Urostigma affine'' Miq.
*''Urostigma religiosum'' (L.) Gasp.
}}

'''''Ficus religiosa''''' or '''sacred fig''' is a species of [[Ficus|fig]] native to the [[Indian subcontinent]]<ref name="EB1911">{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Peepul|volume=21|page=45}}</ref> and [[Indochina]]<ref name="GRIN">{{GRIN | name = ''Ficus religiosa'' | access-date = 29 January 2017}}</ref> that belongs to [[Moraceae]], the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the '''bodhi tree''',<ref>''Oxford English Dictionary'', Oxford University Press, 1971, p. 1014</ref> '''pippala tree''', '''peepul tree''',<ref name=EB1911/> '''peepal tree''', '''pipal tree''',{{cn|date=June 2021}} or '''ashwattha tree''' (in India and Nepal).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html|title=Ficus religiosa — Peepal|publisher=Flowers of India|access-date=3 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214150730/http://www.flowersofindia.in/catalog/slides/Peepal.html|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]. Hindu and Jain ascetics consider the tree to be sacred and often meditate under them. This is the tree under which [[Gautama Buddha]] is believed to have attained enlightenment. The sacred fig is the [[List of Indian state symbols|state tree]] of the Indian states of [[Odisha]]<ref>{{citation | url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/orissa/state-symbols.html |title=State symbols}}</ref> and [[Haryana]].

==Description==
[[File:Denkschriften der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften - Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Classe (1858) (20664107918), Ficus religiosa.jpg|thumb|170px|[[Nature printing|Nature printed]] leaf, showing shape and venation]]
''Ficus religiosa'' is a large [[dry season]]-[[deciduous]] or [[semi-evergreen]] tree up to {{convert|30|m|ft}} tall and with a [[tree trunk|trunk]] diameter of up to {{convert|3|m|ft}}. The [[leaf|leaves]] are [[Wiktionary:cordate|cordate]] in shape with a distinctive extended [[Glossary of botanical terms#D|drip tip]]; they are {{convert|10|-|17|cm}} long and {{convert|8|–|12|cm}} broad, with a {{convert|6|–|10|cm}} [[Petiole (botany)|petiole]]. The [[fruit]]s are small figs {{convert|1|–|1.5|cm}} in diameter, green ripening to purple.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

''F. religiosa'' has a very long [[Life expectancy|lifespan]], ranging on average between 900 and 1,500 years. In some of its [[Native species|native]] [[habitat]]s, it has been reportedly found living for over 3,000 years. Some trees have been reported to be more than 2,000 years old, like the '''Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi''', a peepal tree in the ancient city of [[Anuradhapura]] in [[Sri Lanka]] which is estimated to be more than 2,250 years old and is regarded as the "Oldest historical tree in the world with religious importance".{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

==Distribution==
''Ficus religiosa'' is native to most of the [[Indian subcontinent]] – [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]], [[Pakistan]] and India including the [[Assam Province|Assam region]], [[Eastern Himalaya]] and the [[Nicobar Islands]], as well as part of [[Mainland Southeast Asia|Indochina]] – the [[Andaman Islands]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, particularly in the rest of tropical Asia, but also in [[Iran]], [[Florida]] and [[Venezuela]].<ref name="POWO_853563-1">{{cite web |title=''Ficus religiosa'' L. |work=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew|url=http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:853563-1 |access-date=2021-03-19 }}</ref>

==Ecology==
[[File:Flooded building and tree trunk in the muddy water of the Mekong in Si Phan Don, Laos, September 2019.jpg|thumb|left|Flooded ''Ficus religiosa'' trunk in the muddy water of the Mekong, in [[:en:Laos|Laos]].]]
''Ficus religiosa'' suitably grows at [[altitude]]s ranging from {{convert|10|m|ft}} up to {{convert|1520|m|ft}}. Due to the [[Climate|climatic conditions]] which are prevalent throughout different heat zones, it can grow at [[latitude]]s ranging from 30°N to 5°S. It can tolerate [[temperature|air temperatures]] ranging between {{convert|0|°C|°F}} to {{convert|35|°C|°F}}, beyond this upper limit its growth diminishes. It grows on a wide [[Soil type|variety of soils]] but preferably needs deep, [[Alluvium|alluvial]] [[sand]]y [[loam]] with good [[drainage]]. It is also found on shallow soils including rock crevices.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Association===
''Ficus religiosa'' is associated with [[Fig wasp|Blastophaga quadriceps]], an [[Agaonidae|agaonid wasp]] which acts as its [[pollinator]] as this wasp lays its [[egg]]s only on trees of this species.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Environment===
''Ficus religiosa'' is tolerant to various climate zones ([[Köppen climate classification]] categories of [[Tropical rainforest climate|Af]], [[Tropical monsoon climate|Am]], [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw/As]], [[Humid subtropical climate|Cfa]], [[Humid subtropical climate|Cwa]] and [[hot-summer Mediterranean climate|Csa]]) and various types of soils. In Paraguay the tree species occurs in forests at lower elevations, and in China the species has been reported growing at altitudes ranging from {{convert|400|m|ft}} to {{convert|700|m|ft}}. In India, being a [[Indigenous (ecology)|native species]], it occurs both naturally in wild as well as cultivated up to altitudes of {{convert|1520|m|ft}}.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

===Climate===
''Ficus religiosa'' is tolerant to widely varying climatic conditions such as [[Tropical rainforest climate]] where the region receives more than {{convert|60|mm|cm}} of [[precipitation]] per month, [[Tropical monsoon climate]] where average precipitation ranges from {{convert|60|mm|cm}} in the driest month to {{convert|100|mm|cm}}, [[Tropical savanna climate|Tropical savanna climate with dry summer]] where average precipitation ranges from {{convert|60|mm|cm}} per month in [[summer]]s to {{convert|100|mm|cm}} per month in [[winter]]s, [[Temperate climate|Warm temperate climate, wet all year]] where average temperature ranges from {{convert|0|°C|°F}} to {{convert|10|°C|°F}} and it is wet all year, as well as [[Temperate climate|Warm temperate climate with dry summer]] where average temperature ranges from {{convert|0|°C|°F}} to {{convert|10|°C|°F}} and summers are dry.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

[[File:Peepul Tree In Wall.jpg|thumb|170px| A young tree growing on a [[concrete]] wall in [[Delhi]]. It is tolerant to wide variety of soils, and hence it even thrives on concrete walls having little moisture.]]

===Invasiveness===
[[File:פיקוס קדוש במדרכה.jpg|thumb|On a side walk]]
Unlike most epiphytic jungle figs, which ring the stems of dicotyledonous support trees from the outside, the epiphytic bushes of F. religiosa are not true stranglers. Their roots penetrate inside the stem of the support, eventually splitting it from within. ''Ficus religiosa'' has been listed as an "[[Weed|environmental weed]]" or "naturalised weed" by the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012). It has been assigned an invasiveness high risk score of 7 in a risk assessment prepared for the species' invasiveness in [[Hawaii]] by PIER. Such a high score predicts it will become a major pest in suitable climate zones. The major reasons for its invasive behaviour are its fast-growing nature, tolerance to various climate zones and soil types, reported [[Maximum life span|lifespan]] of over 3,000 years, and its suffocating growth habit as it often begins life as an [[epiphyte]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

==In religion==
The ''Ficus religiosa'' tree is considered sacred by the followers of [[Hinduism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Buddhism]]. In the [[Bhagavad Gita]], Krishna says, "I am the Peepal tree among the trees, Narada among the sages, Chitraaratha among the [[Gandharvas]], And sage [[Kapila]] among the Siddhas."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.santosha.com/philosophy/gita-chapter10.html|title=The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 10 - The Yoga of Manifestation|work=santosha.com}}</ref>

===Buddhism===
{{Main|Bodhi tree}}
[[Gautama Buddha]] attained [[bodhi|enlightenment]] (''bodhi'') while meditating underneath a ''Ficus religiosa''. The site is in present-day [[Bodh Gaya]] in Bihar, [[India]]. The original tree was destroyed, and has been replaced several times. A branch of the original tree was rooted in [[Anuradhapura]], [[Sri Lanka]] in 288 BCE and is known as [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi]]; it is the oldest living human-planted [[flowering plant]] (angiosperm) in the world.<ref name="RMTRR">{{cite web|url=http://www.rmtrr.org/oldlist.htm|title=Rocky Mountain Tree-Ring Research, OLDLIST|access-date=3 July 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Maha_Bodhi_tree_2.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Bodhi Tree]] at the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] was propagated from the [[Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi|Sri Maha Bodhi]], which in turn was propagated from the original Bodhi Tree at this location.]]
In [[Theravada Buddhist]] [[Southeast Asia]], the tree's massive trunk is often the site of Buddhist or [[animist]] shrines. Not all ''Ficus religiosa'' can be called a ''Bodhi Tree''. A Bodhi Tree must be able to trace its parent to another Bodhi Tree and the line goes on until the first Bodhi Tree under which Gautama is said to have gained enlightenment.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Bo-Tree |volume=4 |page=305}}</ref>

===Hinduism===
[[Sadhu]]s ([[Hindu]] ascetics) still meditate beneath sacred fig trees, and Hindus do [[pradakshina]] (circumambulation, or meditative pacing) around the sacred fig tree as a mark of worship. Usually seven pradakshinas are done around the tree in the morning time chanting "''vriksha rajaya namah''", meaning "salutation to the king of trees." It claimed that the 27 stars (constellations) constituting 12 houses (''rasis'') and 9 planets are specifically represented precisely by 27 trees—one for each star. The Bodhi Tree is said to represent [[Pushya]] (Western star name γ, δ and θ Cancri in the Cancer constellation).{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}{{clear|left}}

''Plaksa'' is a possible Sanskrit term for ''Ficus religiosa''. However, according to [[Arthur Anthony Macdonell|Macdonell]] and [[Arthur Berriedale Keith|Keith]] (1912), it denotes the wavy-leaved fig tree (''[[Ficus infectoria]]'') instead. In Hindu texts, the Plaksa tree is associated with the source of the [[Sarasvati River]]. The ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' states that the Sarasvati originates from the water pot of [[Brahma]] flows from Plaksa on the [[Himalayas]]. According to [[Vamana Purana]] 32.1-4, the Sarasvati was rising from the Plaksa tree (Pipal tree).<ref>D.S. Chauhan in Radhakrishna, B.P. and Merh, S.S. (editors): Vedic Sarasvati, 1999, p. 35–44</ref> ''Plaksa Pra-sravana'' denotes the place where the Sarasvati appears.<ref>Pancavimsa Brahmana, Jaiminiya Upanisad Brahmana, Katyayana Srauta Sutra, Latyayana Srauta; Macdonell and Keith 1912</ref> In the Rigveda Sutras, Plaksa Pra-sravana refers to the source of the Sarasvati.<ref>Asvalayana Srauta Sutra, Sankhayana Srauta Sutra; Macdonell and Keith 1912, II:55</ref>

==Cultivation==
[[File:ആൽമരം 01.JPG|thumb|Typical example of aerial roots]]
''Ficus religiosa'' is grown by specialty tree [[plant nursery|plant nurseries]] for use as an [[ornamental tree]], in [[garden]]s and [[park]]s in tropical and [[subtropical climate]]s. Peepul trees are native to Indian subcontinent and thrive in hot, [[Humidity|humid]] weather. They prefer full [[sunlight]] and can grow in all [[soil type]]s, though [[loam]] is the best. When planting, use soil with a [[pH]] of 7 or below. While it is possible for the plant to grow indoors in a pot, it grows best outside. Young peepul needs [[Plant nutrition|proper nourishment]]. It requires full sunlight and proper watering. Sacred fig occurs naturally in [[Montane ecosystems|submontane forest regions]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

In the [[Middle East]], it is preferably planted as an [[Avenue (landscape)|avenue]] or [[road verge]] tree. In the [[Philippines]] and in [[Nicaragua]] the species is cultivated in [[park]]s and along roadsides and [[Sidewalk|pavements]], while in [[Paraguay]] it occurs in [[forest]]s at lower [[elevation]]s.<ref name="CABI">{{cite web|url=https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/24168|title=''Ficus religiosa'' (sacred fig tree)|website=[[Invasive Species Compendium]]|publisher=[[Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International|CABI]]|access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref>

==Uses==
''Ficus religiosa'' is used in [[traditional medicine]] for about fifty types of disorders including asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders, infectious and sexual disorders.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Journal of Ethnopharmacology : Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus religiosa: A review|author=Damanpreet Singh|author2=Bikram Singh|author3=Rajesh Kumar Goela|journal=[[Journal of Ethnopharmacology]]|volume=134|issue=3|pages=565–583|date=12 April 2011|doi=10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.046|pmid=21296646}}</ref>

[[Prayer bead]]s are made from the seeds of ''Ficus religiosa'', considered sacred because of the closeness to [[Buddha]] himself and his enlightenment.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

Farmers in North India also cultivate it for its [[Ficus|fig]] fruit.{{Citation needed|date=March 2021}}

The trunk of this tree is used by farmers as a soil leveller. After seed harvesting, the rectangular shaped trunk is connected to tractors and levels the soil.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-02|title=Peepal Tree: Benefits And Uses of Peepal Tree » Trees Varieties|url=https://treesvarieties.com/peepal-tree/|access-date=2020-11-10|website=Trees Varieties|language=en-US}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bodhi Tree]]
* [[Shitala Devi]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* Keith and Macdonell. 1912. Vedic Index of Names and Subjects.
* [http://iu.ff.cuni.cz/pandanus/database/details.php?plantno=400094&enc=utf&sort=ka&display=50&reswind=this&lat=&skt=on&pkt=&tam=&start=0 Plaksa description]

==External links==
{{Commons and category|Ficus religiosa|Ficus religiosa}}
{{Wikispecies|Ficus religiosa}}
{{EB1911 poster|Bo-Tree}}
* {{ppn|b/bodhirukka.htm|Bodhi Tree}}
* {{Cite Americana|wstitle=Peepul|short=x}}
*[https://wmghz.blogspot.com/2017/09/blog-post_11.html The Bodhi tree revealed by old picture]

{{Worship in Hinduism}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q3071706}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ficus|religiosa]]
[[Category:Trees in religion]]
[[Category:Sacred trees in Hinduism]]
[[Category:Trees of the Indian subcontinent]]
[[Category:Trees of Indo-China]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Plants used in traditional Chinese medicine]]
[[Category:Epiphytes]]
[[Category:Garden plants of Asia]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]
[[Category:Symbols of Bihar]]
[[Category:Symbols of Haryana]]