FICUS RELIGIOSA


FAMILY : Moraceae
ORIGIN :
TYPE/USES :
SIZE :
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full sun
WATER REQUIREMENTS : average
MIN. TEMP. : low 30's
FLOWER : winter, spring, this plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

This plant is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and hence the name 'Sacred Fig' was given to it. Siddhartha Gautama is referred to have been sitting underneath a Bo Tree when he was enlightened (Bodhi), or "awakened" (Buddha). Thus, Bo Tree is well-known symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck. Today in India, Hindu Sadhus still meditate below this tree, and in Theravada Buddhist Southeast Asia, the tree's massive trunk is often the site of Buddhist and animist shrines.