Ashvattha

The sacred fig tree, Ficus religiosa, which
in modern times is more commonly
known as the pipal. The ashvattha is
especially noted for its aerial roots,
which extend downward from some of
the limbs until they touch the ground, at
which point they take root themselves.
Because their roots can become subsidiary trunks, ashvattha trees can
grow to be enormous. They have traditionally been favored as places for
ascetics to dwell, in part because of their
sacred associations and in part because
their dense foliage provides shelter from
the elements.
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Ashtavakra
Their unusual structure is noted in
chapter fifteen of the Bhagavad Gita, in
which the ashvattha is described as the
tree of life. The ashvattha is also believed
to be the type of tree under which the
Buddha attained enlightenment.