Which tree can have more than 2,000 trunks?The banyan tree, which grows in tropical Asia, is a member of the ficus or fig family. As the massive limbs spread horizontally, the tree sends down roots that develop into secondary, pillar-like supporting trunks. Over many years a single tree may spread to take over an entire area. The Great Banyan Tree, in the Botanical Gardens in Calcutta, India, has more than 2,000 trunks. It became diseased after it was struck by lightning, so in 1925 the middle of the tree was removed to keep the remainder of the tree healthy. But still it kept growing, thanks to its elaborate root system. The Great Banyan is about 250 years old and is spread over an area of nearly 4 acres (1.5 hectares). |
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