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Banyan Tree- Palmetto Bay & Beyond

Banyan Tree in Palmetto Bay

When I first moved to South Florida I fell in love with the trees here. The different varieties of palm trees are hard to keep up with. The Royal Poinciana is another favorite. But the Banyan tree captivates me.

Banyan trees can be found throughout South Florida. They are quite impressive. If you take a drive on Old Cutler Road starting in Palmetto Bay and heading north to Coral Gables, you'll see many of them. Their canopies can extend clear across the street. But it's their trunks that mesmerize. There's something primitive about them. They always make me look and wonder. I'm not quite sure what I wonder about when I look, but time seems to stand still when I'm around the Banyan.

I researched the Banyan shortly after arriving here and was surprised with what I found. The Banyan tree is a fig that usually starts it's life on another tree. Birds will drop the seed in a crevice of the trunk of another tree and the seed will germinate. It then sends roots down to the ground. Eventually, the Banyan ends up engulfing the tree that gave it life. For this reason the Banyan is also known as a Strangler Fig.

Banyan Tree in Pinecrest Gardens

In Robinson Crusoe, the main character made his home in a Banyan tree. The first Banyan tree planted in South Florida was in Ft. Myers. It was a gift to Thomas Edison from Harvey Firestone. Mr. Firestone was introduced to the Banyan in 1925 on a trip to India, one of the native countries of the Banyan tree. The tree he gave Mr. Edison was originally 4 feet tall and now covers 400 feet. Incredible.

Even knowing that a Banyan tree strangles it's host tree I can't help but admire it's beauty. Despicable natural instinct or tenacity? Maybe that's what I think about when they capture my attention. How they share certain qualities with people.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Palmetto Bay? Contact the real estate agent who can guide you each step of the way.

Keeping the Real in Real Estate...

Maggie Dokic, Realtor®
Broker-Associate
EWM Realtors
www.theblogthatatemiami.com
305.960.2455

Maggie Dokic is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida selling residential real estate in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Gables by the Sea, High Pines and the Redland.

For more information on our local real estate market, or to see or sell a home in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables or the Redland, visit my Miami Real Estate blog or contact me at Maggie (at) TheBlogThatAteMiami (dot) com.

The opinions expressed herein, are those of the author, and not necessarily of Prudential Florida Realty.

Posted by Palmetto Bay | Redland Real Estate | Maggie Dokic on 10/06/2007 10:23 AM

Comments (50)

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Originally posted at: Miami Dade Real Estate Scoop: Banyan Tree- Palmetto Bay & Beyond

This post has been included in Florida Information Miami-Dade County, FL Information Palmetto Bay, FL Information

50 Comments on Banyan Tree- Palmetto Bay & Beyond

OCT

2007

Maggie,

I love those tress as well. They are so cool looking! BTW I like the new profile pic and I love your outside blog!!!

Monika - thank you on both counts! These trees are super cool. I had never seen anything like them growing up in NYC.

Maggie - I need to check out your outside blog myself. The trees are un'freaking'real!!!

I have seen the Edison Banyan Tree. It's acres across. We have a Banyon in olde Bonita. My daughter shinny'd out a limb once and there was a squirrel out there that got totally ticked at her. Let's just say I caught her.

Jason - new readership is always appreciated =) You're right on about the trees. I couldn't have said it better myself. LOL

Chris - Supermom...always on the job. I can just picture it. Next summer when I make my annual trek to Ft. Myers Beach I will have to go snap pictures of the Edison tree.

Hey Maggie - cool pictures on these tress. Ever time I see one of those trees, they make me think 'snaky'. They've always looked kinda creepy to me, but now that I've read your post, I'll try to think of them in a different light. I can see why they're also called Strangler Fig - they do look like they could strangle whatever's around it!

Ann

Used to live in Florida - LOVE them! Always unique! tree

This one is in Ricketts Glen, PA I found while camping last weekend.... still looks heathly!

Ann - I guess it all goes back to that fear of bugs and spiders. =) Actually, you hit it right on the head...they are a little creepy. I've only seen them in the daylight. =)

Kim - you moved away from paradise? Gasp! LOL, just kidding. Home is truly wherever the heart is. Thanks for sharing the picture. The weather must be gorgeous up there now!

Maggie - love the pic but still need to visit your blog. The banyan trees fascinate me too. I remember seeing them in South America. Saw a documentary on them once that was amazing. There is one, somewhere, that covers 1/2 acre. Amazing!

Jeff

Jeff - I would love your visits! Here's a link to my Palmetto Bay Real Estate Blog to make it easy for you. =) There's a Banyan tree in Hawaii that is about half an acre if not bigger. I found it on Wiki. They really are amazing.

Love those trees.. they are mesmerizing. I could get lost in one for hours. Taking pictures from every which angle Here's one i found in Beijing China Last October.. just thought I'd share

Maggie - you hit a spot in my heart!! I have a series of tree posts planned for miamism. I bought my current house because of a banyan tree - I've even done architectural projects with the banyan tree as the concept and center of it. I also love Royal Poinciana's - this is an AWESOME POST.....(I'm such a tree hugger)

oh - and your picture looked like Jeff's Rocky there for a minute, when I first saw it!

Maggie - I love these trees - you know we have a listing with a huge on my boys love swinging from the "ropes" - I think this tree is so majestic and tropical - thanks for more info about it. :-) Congrats on being features.

Wow, I never knew what these trees were called. Thanks for the history and story. Beautiful.

Maggie, this is a very interesting post. The implications about what this tree is...how it germinates and what it eventually ends up doing are very enlightening. I'm not sure how I feel about it...apart from fascinated. :)

Maggie,

As a young boy growing up in Kendall (now Pinecrest) I cherish fond memories of peddling my bicycle through the paths adjacent to Old Cutler. I would wind my way to Matheson Hammock and cast out my fishing line. Didn't matter if I caught any fish, I just enjoyed being outside and enjoying God's creation.

Michael Lozar
Bellingham Loan Originator

Maggie, I couldn't agree with you more!! The first time I saw them was in Maui many years ago and I just fell in love with the Banyan tree. I think I took an entire roll of film on them at the time. Since I have only been to Florida to catch a cruise liner, I didn't realize that you had this great specie of tree there.

I had no idea of the history but I still marvel in their beauty!

Maggie- Thank you for doing the reeach, I too find the tree interested. The more twisted and knotted a tree is the more I like it. Great shots.

I have never been around the banyan trees- one day I will get a chancve to visit your area. If you are in the Pacific NW, watch for the Madrona trees- they are pretty much my favorites at the moment.

What an interesting post Maggie!! I love the tree walls!! **Congrats on a featured post!!

Mggie - Very informative. I never realized the history of the banyan tree.

Cool Blog Post - so refreshing, unusual and interesting. Now I know all about Banyan Trees in Florida.

Cool Blog Post - so refreshing, unusual and interesting. Now I know all about Banyan Trees in Florida!

Yep! Paul Banyan made his early fame cuttin' them trees, then he grew tired of all the trunks, and moved to Minnesota, changed his name ta Paul Bunyon, and adopted a large homeless ox--you betcha!

Jay

Maggie, What a facinating history and story of these trees, they certainly are unique and I don't believe I've ever seen them (I would have remembered, I'm a tree lover as well!). Thank you for all the interesting information and the incredible pictures.

Maggie-I love those trees, we have those here and Oak Trees, I love driving in Miami...I remember after Hurricane Andrew I was going to the keyes. I was so sad all the beautiful trees destroyed.. I cried as I drove through Miami... Glad that trees grow.

Maggie - so you've joined Kristal and Teresa with your photo...

We have banyan trees in our downtown waterfront park in St Pete and everyone just loves them. I do, too, as long as there isn't one near my house!

Maggie, those are strange looking trees. They not only look primitive, but there also seems to be something very haunting about them.

Hi Maggie - You have an amazing memory to remember those 2 fears of mine!!!

Ann

Maggie - What a wonderful post. I absolutely love trees and the Banyan is one of my particular favorites. Have you seen the one in Maui. Quite unbelievable! It's one of my favorite things about the lush vegetation of Florida as well.

OCT

2007

These are gorgeous trees. Thanks for sharing.

Maggie, I too love the Banyan tree! My first time seeing them was when I lived in Hawaii and I was just amazed. We don't have them up here, but I went to Ft. Lauderdale and saw one I got so excited! (doesn't take much does it?) I didn't know all this info tho, interesting!

Maggie - This is a cool tree! I have never seen one - and always appreciate the natural growth in other areas. Your Localism posts are great!

Maggie- LOVED this post- thanks for an interesting read! We don't have anything like those trees here, so I can live vicariously through your blog :)

Maggie, I saw Thomas Edison's banyan tree years ago in Fort Myers. There IS something fascinating about the trunks - somehow they seem almost liquid, as though they could move, like primitive creatures...

I didn't mean to take so long getting back to this post. Sorry! And thanks to the Moderator who saw fit to feature this on Localism. My renewed interest in Localism has just doubled with your support!

Also, I am having trouble with my web browser so I will do a few replies and submit for fear of losing them. It's happened to me several times over the past week. Sometimes technology ain't so grand.

Desiree - thanks for sharing that lovely picture. China! I'm impressed. My kid has an opportunity to visit next year. I have to make sure I sell enough homes =)

Ines - funny, Nick said the same thing about the eyebrow. LOL You may not believe this, but I have been planning the same series! Great minds think alike, no? =)

Cyndee - ahh, to have the energy of a child again... =)

Tracey - prior to moving here I had no idea of their name either. Once I saw them, I had to find out more!

Lola - you did it again! That thing you do with your choice of words. =) I like it.

Michael - what lovely memories. Thanks for sharing them. I guess then you also must remember crabbing on Old Cutler, no? Season starts Nov. 1st. Folks are anxiously awaiting the date.

Gena - next time you're here, please get in touch and I'll make sure to take you around to see them!

Jennifer - I find the same thing. The more gnarled it is, the better!

Sarah - I had to google the Madrona. Very beautiful! I can understand your liking them.

Susie - "tree walls" says it perfectly! Loved it.

Gary - thank you! I was trying hard not to bore with the facts.

Debbie - in Florida and pretty much anywhere else it will grow. Glad you enjoyed it!

Jay - that was a real groaner! You say things with such authority some may actually believe you! LOL

Carole - when you come down for that drive on Old Cutler I promised you, we'll get to see lots of these!

Midori - you got me all weepy-eyed. I can understand that completely. Big, mighty oaks sprawled across roads just added to the devastation. I take all hurricane warnings seriously.

Sharon - for now. I'm already thinking of changing it. My elbow next? =)

George - another great word to describe them!

Ann - only because I can relate. I have one of my very own. LOL

Marlene - I've never been to Hawaii, but I've heard about the tree of which you speak. Can't wait to see it!

Bob & Carolin - it was entirely my pleasure that you enjoyed it!

Lysa - I find it interesting that the Banyan hasn't been introduced in your area yet. Hmmmm...

Paula - I knew I had to focus on Localism but kept putting it off. Thanks for your support!

Sandi - awe, that's sweet. Thanks! Hang on tight, we'll go canoeing next!

Brian - I am enjoying all the different ways these trees can be described. Liquid is another appropriate one!

Maggie, you're on!! I think they make GREAT photo ops.

Gena, they sure do. Thank goodness for digital cameras. I can't wait!

OCT

2007

great post Maggie on one of my favorite trees! And I love love the new pic, I can't keep up. Congrats on the feature!

Janie - thanks! I'm such a square that I am being a rebel in a most non-threatening fashion...I mentioned that I'll probably be changing the pic. The elbow's next!

As crazy and cool as the banyans are, I wish they had better root systems for sustaining higher wind speeds

they are so cool looking - especially with lizards running throughout

David - that's true! Now whenever I see the slightest thing moving outside I look for a lizard. They're all over!

I don't know that I've ever seen one in person. They look a little freaky ... like they're trying to walk away.

Sarah - you nailed it! That's so true. Come visit. You'll see lots of them. I'll make sure of it.

OCT

2007

Maggie,

What an unusual tree. The story behind the trees is interesting. Somehow "Banyan Tree" sounds better than "Strangler fig". The original tree must be incredible to view.

OCT

2007

Rita - in India, the word "banyan" means merchant. It was used together with the word tree as merchants would gather under the shade of the tree to sell their wares. It stuck and eventually only the "banyan" portion remained. Another bit of useless trivia!

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