Ficus benghalensis L. Banyan Tree, East Indian Fig Tree, Indian Banyan. A very large tree, eventually covering several acres by its aerial roots, which form extra trunks, with leathery broadly ovate leaves, native of India and Ceylon, but widely planted in the tropics, and in the foothills of the Himalayas to 1400m, the barely edible scarlet fruit ripening in autumn and spring. Tree to c. 30m tall. Leaves to 25cm long, with a blunt or short tip. Fruit small, to 2cm across. This tree is commonly planted for shade; the leaves are edible and are used as plates. Ficus religiosa L. the Pipal tree, is recognised by its leaves which have a long, pointed tip. It is a strangler, smothering other trees in the forest, and covering old buildings. Both are damaged by any frost, but will recover from -3°C for short periods, such as might be had in Palm Springs, California.