Banyan

Banyan trees are important as shady gathering places and they feature strongly in South Asian mythology. They also provide a source of shellac and dye.
Aquatint with watercolour showing people at the foot of a large banyan tree.
French polish
Shellac is an important ingredient in French polish. Shellac is produced by lac insects which parasitise banyan trees.
Wish tree
In Hindu mythology, the banyan tree is also called kalpavriksha meaning 'wish fulfilling tree'. It represents eternal life because of its seemingly ever-expanding branches and people have great respect for it. There are many stories about it in ancient literature.
Why banyan?
The banyan tree is named after 'banyans' or 'banians', the Hindu traders seen resting or carrying out their business under the tree. In fact banyans have become important meeting places for many people who gather in its shade to relax or chat.
Roots in the air
Banyan trees have aerial roots - running from branches to the ground - which enable trees to become very large - up to 200 metres in diameter.