Nestled in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Kolkata, you’ll find the world’s largest banyan tree. This incredible tree is over 250 years old, having been around since the garden’s establishment in 1787 when it was just a young sapling of about 15 to 20 years old.
From a distance, this banyan tree appears to be an entire forest. Its branches produce aerial roots that stretch down to the ground in search of water. These roots then become new trunks, providing support and nourishment for the tree. This process has created a vast network of roots and trunks, making it look like many trees instead of just one.
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Scientists say this banyan tree is the widest tree in the world, covering around 14,500 square meters. The tree has over 3,372 aerial roots that have grown into thick trunks. The main root’s circumference is 1.7 meters, and the highest branch reaches 24 meters into the sky. The total number of columnar roots, which reach down to the ground, is 3,772.
This banyan tree is not just enormous but also a peaceful home for 87 different species of birds. Imagine standing under its vast canopy, listening to the sweet chirping of birds all around you.
Despite being battered by two major cyclones in 1884 and 1987, and a fungal infection in 1925 that led to the main branch being cut, this banyan tree stands strong. Its resilience is a testament to nature’s power and adaptability.
Recognizing its significance, the Government of India issued a postage stamp in honor of this banyan tree in 1987. It is also the symbol of the Botanical Survey of India and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Q: Where is the world’s largest banyan tree located?
A: It is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Kolkata, India.
Q: How old is the banyan tree?
A: The banyan tree is over 250 years old.
Q: How large is the banyan tree?
A: The tree covers around 14,500 square meters and has a circumference of approximately 486 meters.
Q: How many species of birds live in the banyan tree?
A: The tree is home to 87 different species of birds.
Q: Has the banyan tree faced any natural challenges?
A: Yes, the tree has survived two major cyclones and a fungal infection that led to the main branch being cut.
Visit the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden to witness this natural wonder. This tree is not just a sight to behold but a piece of living history, symbolizing resilience and the beauty of nature.
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