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The banyan accomplishes it’s major growth and animated forms through it’s amazing and unique root system.  First, like most trees, banyans have roots that live underground.  Yet unlike most trees banyans also have roots that begin their life above ground.

The extensive rooting beneath the earth is spectacular yet a major and awesome part of the banyan root systems begins above ground, when, thin twine-like cords drop from horizontal branches.  When the cords reach the ground they automatically connect and root into the earth.  In time, after a bundle of thin chords roots into the earth, the bundle grafts to form a singe, solid, thick root.  This root supports the branch it originally grew from, allowing that branch to grow longer and wider.

A mature root looks more like a tree trunk than a root and banyan trees often look like they have many tree trunks because many roots can form to support dozens of branches.  This process allows the tree to grow in a spectacular and massive way; a single tree can look like small forest or group of trees.

Banyans are wondrous trees.  Their animal-like forms are unique and fascinating.   They have a spirit that is like no other tree and a beauty that is like no other created thing.
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