Question

The Ficus religiosa is commonly known as the ______ tree in India.
1. Babool
2. Sal
3. Peepal
4. Neem

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Peepal

The correct answer is Peepal.

• The Ficus religiosa is commonly known as the Peepal tree in India. 
  • The peepal tree is known by its botanical name as Ficus religiosa.
  • It is also called a sacred fig tree in Indian culture because of several religious and cultural practices related to it.
  • India has a long culture of considering various trees and animals as sacred because of religious principles and practices.
  • One such principle suggests that the peepal tree is the residence of gods and hence should be protected.
  • One other aspect linked with the peepal tree is that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under the shade of a peepal tree and hence, it is also considered as sacred for Buddhists.
  • For all such practices prevalent in India people are encouraged to plant peepal trees which ultimately helps in increasing the green cover and the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere but also helps in conservation as these trees become home for several birds and insects species.
  • This is the tree under which Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. 

•  Babool
  • The traditional toothbrush for Indians, Babul knew as Kikar or Vachellia Nilotica or Acacia Nilotica is quite a common tree in these parts of the country.
  • A thorny tree, Babul shoots up to a height of 12 meters and flaunts small yellow round nectar- fewer flowers.
• Sal
  • Sal is also known as Shorea robusta, is an imperative non-timber forest product that spreads across 10 million in India covering almost 14% of the total forest area of the country.
  • It has an eminent role in the economics of some Indian states i.e. Jharkhand, Orissa, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Neem
  • ​Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree, or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae.
  • It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent.