Description

• Peepal is unrivalled for its antiquity and religious significance.
• It is a large deciduous tree with a pale stem often appearing fluted on account of the numerous roots which have fused with the stem.
• Leaves leathery 4-8 inches long by 3-5 inches wide, somewhat egg-shaped or rounded, tailed at the tip and heart-shaped at the base, or sometimes rounded.
• The young leaves are frequently pink, change to copper and finally to green. Flowers minute within the receptacle. Fruit is a fig.

Uses

• Sacred Indian plant, Ayurvedic, anti-diarrheal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, remedy for ulcer, bonsai material, ornamental.
• The small figs are used mainly as a famine food.
• It is used as an antidote against bites of venomous animals, and for the treatment of haemoptysis and fistula. Aerial roots are used in the treatment of ascites and are chewed by women to promote fertility.
• The bark contains tannins and is used as a dye for cloth.