Banyan Trees

Banyan trees are some of the most amazing trees in the world. They grow roots from their branches that reach down to the ground. These roots become new trunks, letting a single tree spread over a huge area. Some banyan trees look like small forests but are actually one tree.

Roots from the Sky

Banyan trees grow aerial roots that hang down from their branches. When these roots reach the ground, they grow into new trunks. Over time, one banyan tree can have hundreds of trunks. The biggest banyan trees can cover several acres of land.

Famous Banyans

The Great Banyan in India has over 3,600 aerial roots that have become trunks. It covers about 4 acres and looks like a small forest. Banyan trees are considered sacred in India and are the national tree of the country. They provide shade for entire villages.

Fun Facts

• The Great Banyan tree in India covers about 4 acres and has over 3,600 trunk-like roots.
• Banyan trees start life as a seed in the crack of another tree.
• A single banyan tree can look like an entire forest because of all its trunks.

Did You Know?

Banyan trees get their name from Indian traders called 'banias' who used to set up shop in the shade of these huge trees!