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(Photo: People’s Daily) |
In temples across various locations such as India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, the Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) is widely planted. In Buddhist scriptures, the Bodhi tree is referred to as the “Tree of Enlightenment.” Followers of Buddhism regard the Bodhi tree as sacred. It is said that the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree.
The Bodhi tree is a deciduous tree, typically evergreen, belonging to the mulberry family. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of about 2 meters. Its bark is light yellow, and the trunk has a somewhat irregular shape. The branches have aerial roots that hang down like tendrils, while lateral branches spread outwards, creating a broad canopy. The leaves are arranged alternately, triangular, dark green, glossy, and resistant to dust. Due to their beauty, Bodhi leaves are often used in poetry and paintings. The flowers grow in the leaf axils and are hidden. The fruit is inconspicuous, flat, and ripens in the winter.
The trunk of the Bodhi tree contains latex, which can be processed into hard rubber. The flowers have medicinal properties, helping to reduce fever and induce sweating.
The Bodhi tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant, appreciated for its aesthetic appeal.
