The banyans (including the Indian and Chinese varieties) are among approximately 850 species in the genus Ficus (fig trees).
The banyan tree begins its life as an epiphyte, growing on another plant – or a human edifice – after its seed falls into a crack or crevice in the host. After the seeds germinate, they grow roots down toward the ground and consequently may envelop part of the host. For this reason the banyan is sometimes known as the "strangler fig".
The Indian banyan is India's national tree.
© Haydn Thompson 2022