THE MYTHICAL BANYAN
GENUS FICUS BENGALENSIS
Ficus bengalensis, commonly known as the Banyan tree or Indian fig is a tree to some 12 metres in height with the potential of an absolutely huge spread. Long established Banyans in India and Asia can literally have a spread of hectares and could well be described as the ultimate shade tree. Banyans have featured in literature for thousands of years as huge trees with aerial roots and in Asia have traditionally been used as meeting places and on occasions as houses.
Evergreen, the leaves of banyan are alternate on twigs, oblong to elliptic in shape from 10 to 15 cm long and 5 o 7 cm in width. Old leaves fall throughout the year and new growth appears in March and April. Flowering (insignifant) follows shortly thereafter. Fruiting occurs during April and ripening by May/June. Fruit is inedible for humans and parts of the plant can be poisonous if ingested. Foliage makes a low grade animal fodder.
Banyan branches generally spread horizontally. Mature trees develop hanging aerial roots that reach downwards and become new stems supplementing the original trunk and providing this fast-growing tree with additional nutrient and support.. The bark is greyish white in colour, smooth and 5 mm to 12 mm thick. With age it exfoliates in small irregular patches.
Banyan is an excellent species for shade and landscaping and can make a fascinating bonsai subject. As with figs generally it makes an excellent beginners bonsai subject.
Deep sandy loam with a medium ph is ideal, although it can take a range of soils, including wet boggy soils. Full sun to light shade. Interestingly, despite its preference for moisture, Banyan endures short spells of drought better than many other evergreen species. This species is tropical but it can take temperatures to about 2*C generally and down to as low as -8*C for short spells.
Banyan seedlings are seldom found mother trees, but seed dispersed by birds that lodges in the hollows of trees or crevices and cracks of buildings germinates readily.
Banyan is commercially propagated from seed as well as cuttings, however seed germination can be patchy and for that reason a generous quantity of seed is included in each lot.
Propagation notes accompany all seed lots.
This auction is for 150 fresh seed collected 22.04.07. Item shipped by ordinary mail upon receipt of clear funds. Postage cost of 60 cents. ***Save 50% postage & handling on additional lots that are combined for shipment.
We will be adding more to our range of auctions in the near future so please be sure to keep an eye open. We also have listings for white flowers, cut flowers, drought tolerant or drought resistant flowers, flowers and trees that will grow in full sun, dappled light and shade, that are fragrant or aromatic, that grow indoors, outdoors, in baskets in tubs, or just in the ground.
As always our seed is fresh and professionally cleaned to give you the very best germination rate. Full propagation notes accompany all seed lots. Feel free to email us with any queries.
Happy bidding.
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