Rooted far and wide

THE Banyan (Ficus bengalensis) is a spreading tree. It is remarkable that the mighty banyan begins life from a tiny seed. Branches send down long roots which after reaching the earth grow and become supports for the tree. Later the roots become woody and self supporting stems especially if their connections with the main stem are lost by the disintegration of the connecting branch.

A large banyan may lose its main stem but the tree will carry on its growth through new stems and a supporting root system.

When we make cement tharas or platforms around the trees we are in fact choking them. Such trees have no alternative but to disintegrate and die.

The new roots are delicate till they turn woody.

They have medicinal value - they are given to patients who micturate in excess. They also make excellent tooth brushes. In the past, the straight roots were used to make tent poles. The latex is medicine for minor cuts and also for skin diseases like scabies. All these uses the tree has results in people cutting and damaging the prop roots and stems. A tree that loses the hanging roots like those planted on avenues does not grow and expand and the branches lose support break and fall.

Children use the aerial roots as a swing disrupting the growth of roots.

The roots spread long distances. Sometimes horticulturists water damaged trees quite often. But it must be noted that the banyan is a drought resistant tree and too much water causes fungal infections and rotting of stems.

The practice of filling up holes and crevices with cement and bricks also damages the trees. If they have to, the crevices must be cleaned and dead tissue removed and a coat of fungicide applied with a brush. The crevices must then be filled with a mixture of fresh cowdung and saw dust.

Parking around the trees should be prohibited as tyres can harden the soil preventing aeration and free growth. Light tilling is good for the trees.

Dead leaves should not be removed. Leaf litter is a bad conductor of heat and helps prevent soil heating up especially in summer. Dead leaves enrich the soil and encourage water retentivity.

Chemical fertilizers are unnecessary. Banyan trees occupy vast areas, but we have a duty to help these magnificent trees exist.

After inspecting some of the better known specimens of Ficus bengalensis, I feel that only if we stop interfering in their lives can many of these flag bearers of our country's ancient and deep rooted culture and philosophy can be revived and made to carry on for ever.

O. T. RAVINDRAN

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