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Ficus
benghalensis L. var. benghalensis Hook. f.
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,
