Scientific name: Ficus benghalensis

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.60″ N, 64° 49′ 46.69″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

1. Leaf Flush
Banyan trees are evergreen in tropical climates like St. Croix but may exhibit mild seasonal leaf turnover or semi-deciduous behavior during dry spells.

• New leaf flushes occur periodically and are often triggered by rainfall or pruning.
• New leaves are lighter green and tender, sometimes with a slightly reddish hue.
• These flushes help mark growth cycles, even in the absence of full leaf drop.

2. Leaf Drop (Minor or Cyclical)
While not truly deciduous, the tree may shed some older leaves during dry periods or before a flush.

• Watch for a subtle increase in leaf litter beneath the tree as a precursor to new growth.
• This is usually not synchronized but can be noted over time as a minor phenophase.

3. Syconia Development (Fig-Like Fruit)
Like all Ficus species, the Banyan produces syconia—enclosed fig-like structures that house internal flowers.

• These appear as small green, reddish, or purplish nodules on twigs and branchlets.
• They may appear multiple times a year, but fruiting is often asynchronous—not all figs on the tree mature at the same time.
• Fruiting is often linked with increased pollinator activity, especially fig wasps, birds, and bats.

4. Rooting Behavior (Aerial Roots)
Though not traditionally a phenological marker, aerial root production can increase during wet seasons or periods of high humidity.

• Roots grow down from limbs and can eventually anchor in the soil, expanding the tree’s footprint.
• Monitoring aerial root formation may reflect moisture conditions and tree maturity.

5. Wildlife Interaction
Syconia attract fruit bats, birds, and small mammals—observing feeding behavior can help pinpoint fruiting periods.

• Because figs ripen intermittently, repeated visits are key to identifying active phenophases.