Peepal is unrivaled for its antiquity and religious significance. Commonly known as sacred fig. It is a large deciduous tree with a pale stem often appearing fluted on account of the numerous roots which have fused with the stem.
Leaves leathery 4-8 inches long by 3-5 inches wide, somewhat egg-shaped or rounded, tailed at the tip and heart-shaped at the base, or sometimes rounded.
The young leaves are frequently pink, change to copper and finally to green. Flowers minute within the receptacle. Fruit is a fig. Leaves & Bark used for treating Dysentery & Diarrhea. An ayurvedic tree used for the treatment of cough, skin diseases, improving skin complexion, nausea, vomiting.
Can be planted in the sun, although can tolerate the half shade; aftercare till establishment is helpful if the situation allows; reasonable soil required. Grow well in moist and dry deciduous forests
Special features: Ficus is an evergreen tree with a widely spreading crown. It often starts life as an epiphyte in the branch of a tree and can eventually send down aerial roots that, once they reach the ground, provide extra nutrients that help the plant grow more vigorously.
Ornamental use: Ficus trees can maintain their tree-like shape regardless of their size, so this makes them ideal for bonsais or for massive houseplants in large spaces. The plant is used for an ornamental purpose.