Is it a forest? No, its a single tree! Read more about ‘The Great Banyan’ in India, that spreads across 4.67 acres
The Great Banyan, estimated to be more than 250 years old, is a dominant feature, stymieing everything else at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah.
Banyan trees, among the oldest tree species, often become the center of stories both enchanting and eerie due to their longevity. With their centuries-old presence and gnarly appearance, they almost seem to exude wisdom. In India, these majestic trees hold a special place, symbolizing eternal life and possessing significant religious importance. One such remarkable tree is the iconic Great Banyan, recognized as the world’s largest banyan tree.
Estimated to be over 250 years old, the Great Banyan is a colossal presence at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, Kolkata.
This magnificent tree alone spans an area of 4.67 acres!
Known for their aerial roots, banyan trees can spread extensively. Remarkably, the Great Banyan achieved this even without its main trunk. The original trunk was lost to disease after being struck by two massive cyclones, leading to its removal in 1925 to halt the disease’s spread. Despite this setback, the tree continued to thrive, now boasting 3772 aerial roots.
Today, the botanic garden appears to be a forest but is actually the domain of this single tree, although it houses hundreds of other exotic plant species from around the world.
ALSO READ | Wildlife Photographer Wakes Up To Cheetah Sleeping Cozily With Him
The Garden’s History
The garden, now known as the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, was renamed in 2009 in honor of the natural scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose.
Originally established in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd of the East India Company, the garden aimed to cultivate commercially viable plant species such as spices, tea, and teak. Little did Kyd know that centuries later, this garden would be home to the largest banyan tree in the world, a species known as the strangler fig.
The Great Banyan is undoubtedly a natural wonder. A forest that is, in essence, a single immense tree is a testament to nature’s marvels.
