The sacred Buddhist of Southeast Asia / Indoor Bonsai
The poplar fig, also known in India as the Aswattha or Pippala tree, belongs to the mulberry family and is a fast-growing tree that develops prominent aerial roots. Compared to other Ficus species, its heart-shaped leaves are silky soft. The tree owes its name, Buddha fig, to the Buddhist legend that Siddhartha Gautama experienced enlightenment while sitting beneath a poplar fig. Therefore, the Buddha tree (Bhodi = awakening) is considered a symbol of the Buddha in Buddhist art. Most temple complexes in Southeast Asia contain at least one Buddha fig, believed to be a cutting from the venerable ancestor, which is central to the rituals during the Vesak festival, held during the full moon in April or May.
Natural habitat: The poplar fig is native to India and Sri Lanka.
