Family: Moraceae
Ficus benghalensis (Indian banyan) is a massive, long-lived fig tree native to the Indian subcontinent, where it is celebrated for its cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance. It is known for its extensive canopy and aerial roots that descend from the branches to form additional trunks, creating vast, sheltering groves. The tree can live for centuries and provides shade and habitat for many species in its native range. In cultivation, it is often planted as an ornamental or shade tree in parks and large gardens.
In Hawaiʻi, Ficus benghalensis does not pose an invasive threat because its specific pollinating wasp (Eupristina masoni) is not present in the islands. Without this pollinator, the tree is unable to produce viable seeds and therefore cannot spread beyond where it is planted. Although large trees can grow to impressive sizes and require space to accommodate their spreading roots and canopy, they remain noninvasive in Hawaiʻi’s environment.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized outside its native range (e.g., Florida, but not currently in the Hawaiian Islands)
- Considered an environmental weed, invading natural areas (but not currently in the Hawaiian Islands)
- Other Ficus species are invasive.
- Has a "strangler fig" growth habit, smothering and killing host trees.
- Seeds are dispersed by birds and monkeys.
- Produces a large number of seeds (if pollinator wasp is present)
- Widely planted as an ornamental, facilitating introduction.
Low Risk Traits:
- Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
- Palatable to livestock and not toxic.
- Requires high light; not shade tolerant.
- Has specific soil and climate preferences.
- Does not reproduce vegetatively.
- Requires specialist pollinators (fig wasps).
- Slow to mature (4+ years to seed).
- Seeds lack long-term persistence in the soil.
