Paniana

Paniana is the Hawaiian name for the Banyan tree. The first tree was brought to the islands by sailors. In 1873, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Protestant mission in Lahaina begun by Hawaiian Queen Keōpūolani, widow of King Kamehameha the Great, sheriff William Owen Smith planted a Paniana tree in Lahaina. Over time, this became the largest Paniana in Hawai'i and the United States. It is over 60' high and covers almost an acre of land. In a similar fashion, in 1882, King Kalakaua received a gift of a banyan tree from Indian royalty at the beginning of his construction of the 'Iolani Palace. Queen Lili'uokalani is said to have planted it. Other common names for this tree include: Aoa (Samoa), Paka (Rotu), Pulu (Samoa), Baleting-baging (Philippines), Bengaru bodaiju me (Japan), Krang (Thailand), Cay da (Vietnam) and Meng jia la rong (China).

The Banyan is a large evergreen tree. The primary thick, brown, woody trunk is supported by a multitude of aerial prop roots that grow from the horizontal branches down into the earth. The prop roots allow the tree to expand over a wider area. The dark green, glossy leaves are ovate in shape and leathery. They can grow up to 10" long and 2.5" wide. The edible round fruit is red in color and about 1.5" in diameter. It contains a milky sap.

Banyans prefer well-drained, but moderately moist soils.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• Sap used for medicine (India)
• In the Hindu tradition the tree is considered sacred as it holds the Lord Brahma within.
• Sap used externally for pains and bruises, rheumatism; for cracked or inflamed soles of feet (Philippines)
• Bark used to treat ulcers; leaves poulticed to treat abscesses (India)