In the forest of the Indian Subcontinent , an extraordinary phenomenon is said to occur – Tree “ walk ” .
Specifically , Banyan tree , which are sacred in Hinduism , flourish their footprints by send out etymon that develop their own branches . These roots are flexible and can “ cower ” in ways that allow them to repositing for optimal sunlight and nutrients , which get to it look like they have been walking .
Due to this ability , these Tree are recognized as the biggest in the world in footing of the region they can get across as individuals . If you look at a Banyan tree ( Ficus benghalensis ) , you will likely consider you are depend at a whole forest , but you ’re not . It is likely just one monolithic being . In fact , the declamatory representative , known as theGreat Banyan , covers 14,500 square foot ( 1,347 straight meters ) .
This enormous specimen is locate at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden , in Calcutta , and has an expansive canopy that is about the same size of aManhattan city cube .
How does this work, one tree is a forest?
Also known as the “ strangler fig ” , banyan trees grow from seeds that land on other trees and then send their beginning down to repress them . delicious piffling tree-living marvel . As the host tree diagram drop dead , the banyan sends out its characteristic subdivision - supporting roots that wait like other trees .
But while animal front may be fleet , these trees walk is unhurried . It navigates the forest base at a pace that is largely unperceivable to humankind , responding to their environment and adapt to the ecosystem . These trees can also grow to become really quondam , ranging between250 - 500 years .
Beyond its gripping biologic peripatetic activities , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is also symbolically significant too . In India , the tree is referred to as " the Vata - vriksha , and is link up with Yama , the Supreme Being of demise . As such , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is often grown near crematory in certain villages .
According to Hinduism , Krishna delivered his sermon of the sacred Bhagavad Gita while stand under a banyan Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The Hindu cosmic “ world tree ” also picture an upside - down banyan that has its roots in heaven and grows its roots towards Earth .
Through the century , the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has had various other associations with life , fertility and Christ’s Resurrection , but when the British encroach upon India , they used these sacred trees tohang dissidents .
Ever since their independence , the Indian multitude have domesticize this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for themselves and it now their home tree .
