Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes, and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. They are collectively known as fig trees or figs. These trees are primarily found in the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone as well.

 

Peepal is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated in the Indian Subcontinent i.e. Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. It is a large dry season-deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that grows up to 30 meters tall with a trunk of diameter up to 3 meters. The leaves are cordate in shape with a distinctive extended drip-tip.

 

Ficus religiosa usually possesses a very long lifespan with its average life ranging between 900 to 1500 years in its natural habitats. It is used in traditional medicine to cure about 50 types of disorders including asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, inflammatory issues, and infectious diseases.