Sacred fig

The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk 3 meters wide.

Sacred fig (Ficus religiosa)
Sacred fig - Ficus religiosa

According to legend, Buddha achieved enlightenment while sitting in the shade of a sacred fig - also called Bothi tree.

This is why the tree is sacred in Asia, and it is said that a sacred fig should never be damaged – not even if it grows too close to a house and cause structural damage.

The sacred fig is a common tree in South Asia. It is also the earliest depicted tree in Indian art.


Facts:

  • Greenhouse location: Tropical house
  • Danish name: Buddha-figen
  • Latin name: Ficus religiosa
  • Family: Mulberry familiy / Moraceae
  • Natural habitat: India and Southeast Asia

Learn more about other plants here.