Ficus religiosa, also called the sacred fig, the bodhi tree, bo tree, peepal tree, pipala tree or Ashvattha tree, has religious significance in four major religions of the Indian sub-continent, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.
Peepal tree is tolerant to widely varying climatic conditions and one of the most remarkable features of the tree is its ability to grow in poor soil and rocky crevices, sometimes germinating on walls and old buildings.
The leaves of the tree are broad, leathery, and end in a distinct long, drip-tip ( Banyan leaves, on the other hand, are thicker, broader, and more oval-shaped without the elongated tip).
The tree is used in traditional medicines for various disorders including asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problem, inflammatory disorders, and infections.
Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under a tree of this species, hence the name Bodhi tree.
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree in the city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is estimated to be more than 2,250 years old.
The medal for India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, is modelled on the leaf of a Peepal tree.
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