The banyan tree, Ficus benghalensis, native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, is a member of the genus Ficus. It is a magnificent evergreen that can reach 100 feet (30.48 meters) in height. As the massive limbs spread horizontally, the tree sends down roots that develop into secondary, pillarlike supporting trunks. Over a period of years, a single tree may spread to occupy as much as 2,000 feet (610 meters) around its periphery.