Ficus religiosa

bodhi species

MoraceaeFicus

For special interest, the bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepal tree or sacred fig in the Mullberry or Moraceae family is native to the Indian subcontinent, south-west China and Indochina.

The bodhi tree is considered sacred by Buddhists and Hindus as it is thought that Buddha attained enlightenment (bodhi) while meditating underneath a bodhi tree. The site is in present-day Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India.

Contributors

  • Ron Kemeny
  • California Polytechnic State University