Trees Planted & Survived
0+Projects
Mission 2030
Plant 10 Million = Sequester0
MT of CO₂ / Year
Trees Species Details
Scientific Name:
Ficus religiosa
Marathi Name:
Pimpal
Common Name:
Holy fig tree
Plant Form:
Large tree with wide, spreading crown; heart-shaped leaves with long drip tip; semi-evergreen / dry-
Native/Exotic/Introduced:
Native to Indian subcontinent (including Maharashtra).
Distribution:
Widely across India in wild & cultivated; found in Maharashtra in temples, urban/forest edges; occurs from low plains up to ~1500-1520 m altitude.
Plant Characteristics:
Produces small figs (1-1.5 cm) that ripen from green to purple; leaves alternate, cordate, with long tip; bark grey, smooth or fissured; long life span.
Required Growth conditions:
Prefers deep, well-drained soils (especially sandy loam/alluvial); tolerates a range of climatic zones; full sun to partial shade; tolerates disturbed soils.
Habitat:
Riverbanks, forest margins, sacred groves, urban/temple grounds, disturbed sites; also grows in shallow soil or rock crevices.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN).
Dispersal:
Animal dispersal by birds and bats eating figs; possibly some human propagation. Seeds from figs dispersed via frugivores; also gravity for dropped figs.
Pollinators:
Fig wasps (Agaonidae), specifically Platyscapa quadraticeps / Blastophaga quadriceps, which are host-specific pollinators for Ficus religiosa.
Medicinal Information:
Used traditionally for many disorders (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, skin disorders, wounds etc.); bark, leaves used in Ayurveda.
Bird Host Plant:
Supports many frugivorous birds (barbets, bulbuls, mynas, pigeons).
Butterfly Host Plant:
Nectar/foliage visitors; records of generalist butterflies (no strong specialist list).
Moth Host Plant:
Various moths utilize it; species lists are scattered.
Ecological Significance:
Keystone resource; year-round fruiting supports frugivores and urban biodiversity.
Cultural Significance:
Sacred in Hindu/Buddhist traditions (Bodhi tree); common in temples and rituals.
Air Pollution Tollerance Index (APTI):
Reported tolerant / high APTI in Indian urban studies (values vary by study).
Other Uses:
Shade, fuelwood, fodder, urban/avenue planting, erosion control.