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Ficus benghalensis L.
Synonym : Urostigma bengalense (L.) Gasp.
Family
: Moraceae
Local Names
: Peraal, Benyan tree
Flowering and fruiting period: March – December
Distribution: Indian subcontinent; widely
grown as avenue tree
Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in
the plains
IUCN status: Data Deficient
Endemic: Yes
Uses: Sacred Indian plant, Ayurvedic,
fruits edible, remedy for tooth pain, bonsai material, ornamental. The leaves
are used to remedy dysentery and diarrhoea. They are used in a decoction with
toasted rice as a diaphoretic. The bark is tonic and diuretic. An infusion is
antidiabetic and a decoction is used as an astringent in the treatment of
leucorrhoea. The fruit is tonic and has a cooling effect.
Key Characters: Ficus benghalensis are spreading trees; aerial roots numerous from
the branches. Leaves simple, alternate, spiral. Flowers unisexual;
inflorescence a syconia; flowers of 4 kinds; male flowers dispersed with
female; tepals 2-3, brownish,
