Banyan Tree update 9/17/2011

As you can see the banyan trees are getting bigger. I repotted the biggest ones in some miracle grow potting soil. I did not water them last week and it did not rain. Some of the trees started to wilt because of this. Hopefully they will survive this transplant. I will post more pics when they get noticeably larger.

Banyan Tree top view

Banyan Tree side view

About the Banyan Tree

Banyan Trees are a unique tree that is indigenous to India. The tree’s name is derived from “Banians” which are indians who conduct business under the trees. The trees can span several hectares. They achieve this by using its special aerial root system. These aerial roots shoot down off the tree’s branches. These roots can develop into truck like structures. After time these roots can become indistinguishable from the original truck.

Banyan Tree

The tree is sometimes referred to as strangler. This is because the trees can grow on an existing tree of another species. The roots will essentially climb down its host tree and eventually cut off nutrient supplies. 

These figs require a hot, damp environment to flourish. If you are growing one you should make sure to keep the soil very moist. 

Banyan Seed Collection

I went on a family vacation to Key West, FL in late June 2011. During the trip I discovered a bunch of large banyan trees. These trees were impressive. I had never seen anything like them before.  So I collected a bunch of seeds and put them in a zip-lock bag. I believe I got about 5 berries in total. Each berry was loaded with seeds.

Banyan Berries

I marked the bag "Banyan Seeds" and went back to my home in Gainesville, Fl. After returning home I placed the seeds in a pot of soil and added some water. After a couple of weeks I got my first sprouts.

Check out this post on how to grow a banyan tree. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trees-shrubs/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm