The Stately Banyan, Ficus benghalensis

A huge, stately old Banyan tree, Ficus benghalensis, growing in front of the Honolulu Zoo.  Most of these Banyans were planted in the early to mid-1900s.  Ficus benghalensis is  considered sacred in India where massive trees sometimes shelter temples.  Buddha is said to have reached Nirvana under the shade of a related tree, the sacred fig, Ficus religiosa.