Identity:
The Ashwattha tree is a large plant, much like the banyan. In Bengali we call it Aswattha (in formal Bengali: Ashwattha). In Sanskrit it is also known as Ashwattha, and in Hindi it is called Peepal.
The main difference between the banyan and the ashwattha is this:
- the banyan leaf has a rounded tip,
- the ashwattha leaf has a pointed, tapering tip.
In India, this tree is considered both popular and sacred, and it is commonly found throughout Bangladesh as well.
Uses:
The fruits, leaves, bark, and leaf-buds of the ashwattha tree are all used for medicinal purposes.
At the end of the month of Falgun and during Chaitra, the tree sheds its leaves. In Baishakh, the tree becomes full again with fresh new foliage.
