banian tree

9.9

A large Indian tree that grows new trunks from roots hanging down and spreads over a wide area

noun
/ˈbæn.jən tri/

Archaic

: árbol banyan

We stopped to admire the impressive aerial roots of a century-old banian tree.

Examples

Over time, the banian tree can spread over a large area, creating a complex network of trunks.
The banian tree in the village square provides shade for dozens of people.
Look at that enormous banian tree over there!
The majestic banian tree stands in the park.
The banian tree in the garden has sprawling branches that provide shelter for many birds.
As we walked through the forest, we marveled at the aerial roots of the giant banian tree that stretched towards the ground.
Children often play underneath the large canopy of the banian tree in the town center.

Synonyms

banyan

vsbanian tree

3 8.7

A very large Indian fig tree that sends roots down from branches to form new trunks

is the same name but without the explicit word for the plant

banyan tree

vsbanian tree

1 6.5

A large tree from India whose branches grow roots that become new trunks

uses a different spelling or common name

banian

vsbanian tree

Archaic

9.9

A large fig tree that makes new trunks from hanging roots

differs only by spelling or word form from the common name

Indian banyan

vsbanian tree

Indian

7.8

A large Indian tree with roots that grow down into new trunks

is another regional or variant common name for the same species

East Indian fig tree

vsbanian tree

7.5

A large Indian tree that sends roots down from branches to form new trunks

is a shorter, alternative common name for the same plant

Ficus bengalensis

vsbanian tree

Specialized

9.7

A large Indian tree called the banyan whose roots grow down into the soil to form new trunks

uses a common name rather than a formal scientific name

Surface Forms

banian tree singular

banian trees plural

Morphology

banian + tree

The noun phrase simply combines a specific kind label 'banian' with the general noun 'tree', so its meaning (a type of tree, specifically Ficus benghalensis with aerial roots) is directly derivable from the constituents. There is no idiomatic or metaphorical shift, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand the MWE.

Etymology

Banian tree grows many long roots that reach the ground and become new trunks, so one tree can spread over a wide area. The word banian may come from a local word for 'trader' because merchants often set up shops under these wide trees, so the name links the tree's large, spreading form with its role as a meeting place.