Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) tree with brown bark near Abdullah Bin Thani Street, Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 1, 2013Ficus caudata, Ficus peepul, Ficus rhynchophylla, Ficus superstitiosa, Urostigma affine, Urostigma religiosa
Bo-Tree, Lisan-el-asforr, Sacred fig
Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, south-west China and Indochina. It belongs to the Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the Bo-Tree (from the Sanskrit Bodhi: "wisdom", "enlightened", and as a Sinhalization of this the Sinhala Bo) or Peepal or Pippal (in India and Nepal).
Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred fig, is a large deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In Qatar, it is considered an introduced species, often cultivated for ornamental purposes. Studies have reported its presence in urban landscapes, such as parks and gardens, where it thrives in the country's arid climate due to irrigation. Its ability to tolerate a range of soil conditions makes it suitable for Qatari environments. However, its naturalization and potential impact on native ecosystems are subjects of ongoing research and monitoring.
Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) tree with brown bark near Abdullah Bin Thani Street, Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 1, 2013
Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) with brown bark at Sikkat Abu Thila, Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, April 27, 2013
Iron door with sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) on Abdul Aziz Bin Ahmed Street, Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, May 11, 2013
Large sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) in an alley parallel to Abdullah Bin Thani Street, Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, May 24, 2013
Apartment gate with a green tree sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) at Ibn Al Haitham Street, Fereej Abdel Aziz area. Doha, Qatar, May 24, 2013
Iron gate with a large sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) at Ibn Abdul Salam Street, Al Doha Al Jadeeda area. Doha, Qatar, June 1, 2013
Brown bark of Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) near Abdullah Bin Thani Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 14, 2014
Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) on Zurara Bin Amir Street in Al Doha Al Jadeeda area. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2014
Brown bark of Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) in a lane behind Abdullah Bin Thani Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 28, 2014
Shoots of Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) on Umm Wishad Street in Musheirib area. Doha, Qatar, March 28, 2014
Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) on Al Istiqlal Street Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 30, 2015
Leaves of sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) on Al Istiqlal Street Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, April 30, 2015
Leaf venation of sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) in a park at Al Intisar Street near a corner with Onaiza. Doha, Qatar, May 3, 2015
Seedling of sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) growing from stone fence in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, June 3, 2015
Sacred fig (Bo-Tree, Ficus religiosa) near a stone fence on Al Intisar Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, February 3, 2016
Leaves of sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) on Al Intisar Street in Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, February 3, 2016Multiple observations of Ficus religiosa were made in various areas of Doha, Qatar, between 2013 and 2016. The trees were found to have brown bark, as seen near Abdullah Bin Thani Street and in a lane behind the street. They were observed growing in different locations, including Musheirib, Al Doha Al Jadeeda, Najma, and Onaiza areas. Some trees were found near iron doors or gates, while others were growing in alleys or near stone fences. The leaves of the tree were also observed, with notable venation patterns. Additionally, seedlings were spotted growing from stone fences, indicating the tree's ability to propagate in different environments. Overall, the observations suggest that Ficus religiosa is a relatively common species in Doha, Qatar, and can thrive in various urban settings.
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