National Tree Of India

National Tree of India - Banyan - Ficus bengalensis or Banyan tree is the national tree of India. Belonging to the fig family, the branches of the banyan are spread over a large area and continue to live and regenerate for thousands of years. Over the years, it continually acquires more trunks and branches which add to its longevity. It is considered immortal according to Indian mythology. Many of the Indian villages are centered around large shady banyan trees that provide a good place for public meetings and village council meetings. 

Tree roots are the widest of all trees and can easily span several acres. The size of the banyan tree, its perceived immortality and its religious significance in India are an obvious choice for being chosen as the national tree of India. It served to provide leafy shelter to many weary Indians, who used it to rest themselves in its shade from the scorching summer sun. Indians have long revered this tree and many folktales and mythological legends are associated with it. Some Hindu customs make it even more prominent. Apart from humans, it provides shelter to many other organisms. It is also known to require less maintenance and is virtually a boon to Indians.