Peepul

Peepul, or PIPAL (Ficus religiosa), also known as the SACRED FIG of India, and in Ceylon called the BO-TREE, a species of Fig (q.v.), somewhat resembling the Banyan, but the branches not rooting like those of that tree, and the leaves heart-shaped with long attenuated points. The tree is held sacred by the Hindus, because Vishnu is said to have been born under it. It is generally planted near temples, and religious devotees spend their lives under its shade. It is also held sacred by the Buddhists of Ceylon (see BO-TREE). It attains a great size and age. The peepul is often planted near houses, and by the sides of walks, for the sake of its grateful shade. The juice contains a kind of caoutchouc, and is used by women as bandoline. Lac-insects feed upon this tree, and much lac is obtained from it. The fruit is not much larger than a grape, and although eatable is not valued.