Local name: Pipal tree Peepal Tree Sacred fig

Ficus religiosa or sacred fig is a species of fig native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to Moraceae, the fig or mulberry family. It is also known as the bodhi tree, pippala tree, peepul tree, peepal tree or ashwattha tree (in India and Nepal). The sacred fig is considered to have a religious significance in three major religions that originated on the Indian subcontinent, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It is the type of tree that Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment under, and Hindu and Jain ascetics also consider the tree to be sacred and often meditate under them.

Nutritive value

The palatability and nutritive value of pipal leaves is not very good. Leaves when fed alone could form    a maintenance ration. On an average, the leaves contain 5.47% DCP, and 39.22% TDN. The DCP content is fairly high as compared to conventional fodders. The TDN value is lower as compared to

poor type roughages. Studies revealed   that various Fig.   2.44   Pipal   leaves

nutrients in the leaves varied during different months

and seasons. The leaves along with other sources of TDN could form a ration during scarcity periods.