Fauna
Plant

Sacred Fig

Ficus religiosa

Also known as Bodhi Tree, Peepal Tree, Bo Tree, Ashvattha Tree

Sacred fig trees often begin life as epiphytes, germinating in the bark crevices of host trees or stone masonry before sending thick aerial roots downward to envelop their anchor. The distinctive cordate leaves bear elongated drip tips that channel rainwater away efficiently, rustling continuously even in the gentlest breeze. Because a single mature tree can produce thousands of figs across staggered intervals, it functions as a critical keystone resource that sustains frugivorous birds, bats, and primates through lean seasons.

Canopy TreeKeystone SpeciesEpiphyte
Sacred Fig reference1 / 7
Eric Guinther / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotoautotrophic
ThreatsUrban development, road expansion, and removal from architectural sites
HabitatsTropical and subtropical moist forests, river valleys, and urban masonry
Life span900–1,500 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyMoraceae
  3. GenusFicus
  4. SpeciesFicus religiosa
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Milky sap is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; wild fruits also carry look-alike risks.
Why it is dangerous
Milky sap contains ficin and psoralens, which trigger oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting in pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by smooth grey bark and glossy heart-shaped leaves tapering into an unmistakable, long tail-like tip.
What to do
Prevent dogs and cats from chewing on fallen leaves, and rinse skin if sticky white latex leaks from broken stems.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Foliage: Look for the slender, tail-like drip tips on leaves that flutter in the slightest breeze.
  • Canopy Watching: Scan the crown during fruiting season for hornbills, parakeets, and fruit bats feeding on figs.
  • Sprouting Sites: Check masonry crevices and tree forks where seeds deposited by birds readily germinate.
Related species
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