What is the locality of the peepal tree?

Native range and spread

• Native: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Myanmar, Thailand, and Indochina.
• Now naturalized: Many warm regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, parts of East Africa, and tropical islands.

Typical habitats and micro-sites

• Riverbanks and alluvial plains: Moist, fertile soils aid early growth.
• Urban and rural spaces: Temple courtyards, village commons, school grounds, and roadside avenues.
• Rocky walls and old structures: Seeds germinate in wall crevices and tree forks; young plants send roots down.
• Open, sunny areas: Peepal loves full sun once established.

Climate and elevation

• Climate: Tropical to subtropical. Tolerates heat and seasonal dryness after establishment.
• Rainfall: Performs well from moderate to high rainfall but survives dry seasons with deep roots.
• Elevation: Common from lowlands up to roughly 1,500 meters where winters are mild.

Soil preferences

• Texture: Grows in sandy loam to clay loam; best in well-drained alluvial soils.
• pH: Tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.
• Drainage: Prefers good drainage but withstands short-term waterlogging once mature.

Distribution summary table

Ecological role

• Bird-dispersed: Birds eat the small figs and spread seeds to new sites.
• Microhabitats: Large, old trees host epiphytes, lichens, and nesting birds.
• Shade and cooling: Wide crowns provide shade and urban heat relief.

Human uses that shape locality

• Sacred planting: Often planted near temples and community spaces.
• Avenue tree: Used along roads for shade in hot regions.
• Traditional medicine: Bark, leaves, and figs used in folk remedies, encouraging cultivation.