Ficus religiosa
Bodhi Tree
Other common names: Peepul, Pipal, Bo, Beepul, Sacred tree
This large, attractive fig tree is known as the tree that the Buddha was born and meditated under. It is native to India and Southeast Asia where it can live for centuries. One specimen is thought to be 3,000 years old. The Bodhi tree is associated with fertility and is used medicinally for toothaches. Its scientific name Ficus, means fig. It’s a genus of some 1000 species in the mulberry family, Moraceae. Religiosa refers to the plant’s role in the story of the Buddha’s life and the fact that it is commonly planted around temples. Each fig species has a certain type of wasp that pollinates it. Outside of its native range (and the range of its wasp friend), the Bodhi tree is propagated vegetatively by humans.
Why is Bodhi tree the plant today? Well, because of celebrity skier Bode Miller. M. said, Hey, isn’t there a tree called Bode? -Sounds familiar, I’ll look it up.
