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Over 400 years old and spanning three acres, the Big Banyan Tree
has stood silent witness to the city's growth.
 No one quite knows who planted the Big Banyan tree in Kethohalli
village near Tavarekere, but it is widely believed that its gnarled
vertical roots have silently witnessed the city's growth from a
one-horse sleepy town to the tech city that it is. At first utterly
neglected, the tree is now a heritage. Hundreds of tourists flock
to its presence and look on in wonder as they make their way through
the maze of hanging roots. Researchers delight in this open air
laboratory and botanists spend hours attempting to unlock the secrets
of its longevity. A variety of birds roost in its branches and its
fruit also attracts packs of monkeys.
 The banyan tree is perhaps the oldest of tree species in the city.
Botanically known as Ficus Benghalensis, the Big Banyan tree is
believed to be over 400 years old. The Savanadurga monolithic hill
and the backwaters of the Manchanabele reservoir form a serene backdrop
to its spreading branches and make for a good picnic spot.
"The tree, located at survey number 57/2C1, has a crown circumference
of more than 250 metres," says the senior horticulture officer
at Kethohalli. "What is surprising is the growth of the tree.
It does not have a main trunk, but it keeps spreading all around.
On an average, the tree canopy widens a few feet every year. It
currently has more than 1000 aerial roots and by itself, it's a
virtual forest," he said.
S Ashwath, joint director of horticulture (parks and gardens) says,
"It's the fourth largest banyan tree in India after the ones
in Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata and Chennai. The soil composition under
the tree canopy, which spans three acres, has remained unchanged
in the last 400 years."
Local villagers say the tree was part of the natural vegetation
in the region. For years, it was neglected, but as its popularity
grew, the government stepped in. A few decades ago, the tree was
put under the care of the horticultural department. The department
has taken steps to nurture the tree and protect and conserve its
roots. The state government and the biodiversity board have declared
it a heritage tree.
While students of botany camp at the base of its roots and spend
hours studying its growth, local villagers and hordes of visitors
believe the tree embodies divine powers.
"The tree has always been considered sacred and the people's
reverence is backed by a few scientific findings," says Yellappa
Reddy, an ecological expert. "The tree has the ability to trap
suspended particulate matter in the air. Further, its leaves enable
it to carry on the process of photosynthesis even in the night which
means it gives out more oxygen compared to other trees."
Though the main trunk has perished, the site has become the abode
of local deity Muneshwara and local villagers celebrate a fair every
year during April-May. The horticulture department has given the
area beneath its canopy a facelift, by building proper walkways
and growing shadow gardens modelled on Japanese gardens. Walking
under the tree is said to produce a soothing effect on people. The
Deep Space Network of ISRO's moon mission Chandrayan is located
at Byalalu village nearby.
The sprawling banyan tree resembles a small forest and is a favourite
haunt for researchers, tourists and the spiritually inclined.
You Must Know !
* The Portuguese gave the tree its name after seeing several Bania
(Traders) community members taking shelter under the tree while
travelling.
* The big banyan tree is the most cinematographed tree in Karnataka.
* The big banyan tree extends its crown circumference by two to
three feet every year.
Source: BangaloreMirror
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