The most interesting living thing on Earth: the walking Banyan trees

In the forests of the Indian subcontinent, it is said that trees walk in an extraordinary way.

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The most interesting living thing on Earth: the walking Banyan trees

In the forests of the Indian subcontinent, it is said that trees walk in an extraordinary way. Banyan trees, which are particularly sacred in Hinduism, expand the area they cover thanks to the spread of their roots that grow from their own branches. These highly flexible roots can 'crawl' in a way that allows them to reposition themselves for optimal sunlight and nutrients, which makes them appear as if they are walking.

THEY ARE CONSIDERED THE LARGEST TREES IN THE WORLD

According to details reported by Chip, thanks to this ability, these trees are considered the largest in the world in terms of the area they can cover individually. When you look at a Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), you might think you are looking at an entire forest. However, what you are (likely) seeing is just one massive organism. In fact, the largest specimen, known as the Great Banyan, covers 1,347 square meters. This massive specimen is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Botanical Garden in Kolkata.

Also known as the 'strangler fig,' banyan trees grow from seeds that land on other trees and then send roots downward in a way that eventually strangles them. After the host tree dies, the Banyan begins to spread its characteristic roots, which resemble other trees and have their own branches.

While animal movements are quite fast, the walk of these trees is slow. As they advance across the forest floor at a speed largely imperceptible to humans, they react to their environment and adapt to the ecosystem. These trees can grow to reach ages ranging from 250 to 500 years.

Beyond their impressive biological peripatetic activities, the tree is also symbolically significant. In India, this tree is also called 'Vata-vriksha' and is associated with Yama, the god of death. For this reason, the tree is grown near crematoriums in some villages.

According to Hinduism, Krishna delivered his sacred Bhagavad Gita sermon while standing under a banyan tree. The Hindu cosmic 'world tree' also depicts an upside-down banyan tree with its roots in heaven and extending toward Earth.

News Source: 12punto