Venation on Ficus religiosa leaf skeleton

One of the botanical specimens I've collected over the years - but I've had it for so long I can no longer remember in which country I found the original leaf.

Update...identified by JD member _ChunXingWong_

comments (4)

Christine Young

Lion

Gorgeous photo of a unique leaf! Posted 2 years ago

_ChunXingWong_

Lion

Nice. Let me guess, It is the leaf of a Ficus religiosa, probably from India. Posted 2 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Oh wow, I am thrilled to see this input. I'm researching now on line and your ID looks to be perfect. Now the question is - how have I come about having this within my collection, as I've never been to India ha ha....but I now see they are available as seeds/plants to buy and are common here in Australia. And I love that this is said to be the Indian tree that Buddha sat under and meditated for six years to gain enlightenment. Thank you so much, very grateful! Posted 2 years ago, modified 2 years ago
2. 1. _ChunXingWong_
    
    Lion
    
    Although originated from India, it has been introduced to most of the tropics by religious followers so not surprising if it is also found in Australia. The leaves of this fig tree are really beautifully shaped and leathery so I understand it can look attractive to many leaf collectors Posted 2 years ago

The Sacred fig

''Ficus religiosa'' or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to ''Moraceae'', the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, peepal tree or ashwattha tree . The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Hindu and Jain ascetics consider the tree to be sacred and often meditate under them... more

Info 1 0

Similar species: Rosales

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman