So after searching the internet supposedly banyan trees have aerial roots that are above the ground so that might explain why they can transport it
Also if Banyan tree seeds land on other trees then they can use those trees as a host eventually killing the tree which decomposes and results in a hollowed out portion of the banyan tree that is used by animals for shelter
And these trees that kill their hosts are considered a national tree in India
I was not sure if they are always a parasite but I double checked thinking maybe they could grow on the ground without a host, but they can not reproduce without a host
And that is what India chose to represent itself
Search Assist
Banyan trees typically start as epiphytes, meaning they need a host tree to germinate and grow. They rely on the host for support until they develop their own roots and can grow independently, but they cannot grow without a host initially.
