Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
The tree of nirvana
|
The Pipal tree is considered a sacred symbol
|
A Pipal leaf
Ficus Religiosa or Bodhi tree is an irregularly shaped large tree with well-developed, short trunk and spreading tree. It is epiphytic when young, evergreen and leafless for a short period in dry locations. Ficus is the Latin name for fig and religiosa in Latin means `pertaining to religion' indicating that the tree is sacred. `Bodh tree' (the tree of wisdom) is the one under which prince Gautama meditated in Bodh Gaya and attained nirvana.
It is venerated by Hindus and Buddhists. It is often planted in temples for shade and worship.
The bark of Pipal is grey with brownish specks. Leaves are alternative, broadly ovate and shining above with a heart shaped base abruptly narrowing at the apex into a long tail-like tip. Leaves are borne on slender 10 cms long leaf stalks. They are pink when young.
Flowering abundantly every year, flowers are small and lack stalk. Figs are globular in stalkless pairs, and turn dark purple when ripe. Old leaves are shed in winter and fruits ripen in April and are much sought after by birds and monkeys, which aid in the dispersal of seeds. Propagation is through branch cuttings. Leaves are used for cattle feed.
Practically all parts of Pipal are used in indigenous medicines. The ripe fruit is believed to have a cooling effect and also relieves biliousness. Dry fruits are used as cure for asthma. Juice of the bark is used to make mouth wash to relieve toothache and it also strengthens the gums. Wood is used to make packing cases.
Pipal is capable of growing on a wide variety of soils. Root system is much spreading and deep penetrating, sending its roots into crevices doing much harm to buildings.
CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
