Ficus Benghalensis

Measured by canopy coverage, the giant banyan trees of India are the largest trees in the world. These amazing trees produce propagating roots which grow downwards as aerial roots and once they reach the ground, they become woody trunks that can become indistinguishable from the main trunk. The leaves are large, leathery, glossy green and elliptical in shape, and the leaf bud is covered by two large scales which falls as the leaf develops, young leaves having an attractive reddish tinge. This tree is considered sacred in India and often shelters a small temple underneath, and indeed it is one of the most sheltering trees with a large and deep shade. In temperate climates it is grown as a houseplant or even as a bonsai.