Peepal 1

Kind Of Tree

1. Peepal General Information Origin Plantation Uses

2. General Information Called ashvattha in Sanskrit, the peepal ( Ficus religious) is a very large tree. Its bark is light grey, smooth and peels in patches. Its heart-shaped leaves have long, tapering tips. The slightest breeze makes them rustle. The fruit is purple when ripe. During the Vedic period, its wood was used to make fire by friction.

3. Origin In the Hindu religion, Peepal tree has a lot of reverence and significance for people. People worship the tree and perform a puja . But , nobody really knows anything about its history & origin. Well, there are also some interesting legends associated with the Peepal tree. The tree is known for its heart shaped leaves that have long narrowing tips. The origin of peepal tree can be traced back to the times of Indus Valley Civilisation (3000 BC - 1700 BC) in the Mohenjodaro city. Excavations are suggestive of the fact that even in those times; the peepal tree was worshipped by Hindus.

4. Plantation Ficus religiosa is grown by specialty tree plant nurseries for use as an ornamental tree, in gardens and parks in tropical and subtropical climates. Peepal trees are native to India and thrive in hot, humid weather. They prefer full sunlight and can grow in most soil types, though loam is the best. When planting, use soil with a pH of 7 or below. While it is possible for the plant to grow indoors in a pot, it grows best outside. Young peepal needs proper nourishment. It requires full sunlight and proper watering.

5. Uses The peepal is used extensively in Ayurveda . Its bark yields the tannin used in treating leather. Its leaves, when heated in ghee, are applied to cure wounds. Scientific research suggests that the Peepal tree is best antidote to all kinds of pollution, specifically, water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution. It is said that this tree emits oxygen at night also . It is one of those few species which can thrive well on rocky outcrops . It is also recommended for planting around water bodies. The high content of calcium in its leaves helps in purification of water. Once established, it registers fast growth above and below ground; its roots holding on to rock and making inroads facilitating percolation of water and its crown spreading to intercept maximum sunlight. Interestingly , the green Coracious (leathery) leaves of Peepal absorb moisture from the atmosphere but retard evapotranspiration . That could be the reason why the Peepal appears green and its crown dense and full even under scorching heat.Thereby it also helps in regulating the hydrological cycle in nature".