Botanical atlas

Chinese Banyan

Ficus retusa

Ficus retusa has a long history as a temple and courtyard tree across South and Southeast Asia, prized for the deep shade of its glossy canopy and for the way its aerial roots slowly thicken into secondary trunks, a habit that gave rise to whole groves grown as natural pavilions. In the bonsai tradition it became one of the most beloved subjects for exactly this reason, trained over decades into miniature banyan forms with sprawling exposed roots. Its role has always been architectural and ornamental rather than medicinal, and unlike many of its fig relatives it does not have a well-documented history of traditional internal use. What tradition it does carry is one of shade, shelter, and patient shaping rather than the herbalist's kettle.

Safety.

The milky sap can irritate skin and eyes and is a known allergen for people sensitive to latex, and it's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.