On 3/2/09 14:13, in article , "Bob Hobden"
wrote:


"Martin" wrote ...
Sacha wrote:
"Martin" wrote:
Sacha wrote
Anyone know where this can be found in UK? We've had an enquiry for
one but
I hd to tell the customer that not only do we not have it, I cant' see
anyone in the Plant Finder who does. He does want the tree, not seed.

I can't find anybody selling it in UK or the Netherlands either.

Thanksfor hunting, Martin. I think it's Indian in origin, or in use,
religiously.

It's referred to as Indian Rubber Plant, Banyan Tree and gawd knows what
else on
websites, however if you look those up it is always a different ficus.
On the Kew website or a site linked to it, it says can only be grown
inside in
UK, needs heat and grows to be very large, available in some garden
centres!

It's known as the Bo Tree and is sacred to Buddhists as it's the tree Lord
Buddha sat under when he reached enlightenment. Lord Buddha was an Indian
Prince. Also sacred to Hindus and Jains (Jain being a contemporary of
Buddha).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_fig

I understand it's sometimes sold as a House Plant but I would think perhaps
a Buddhist group may be able to point you in the right direction.

Chiltern sell the seeds.

Thanks, Bob. I read about it, too and the history is certainly interesting.
Unfortunately, the would-be customer doesn't want the seeds, he wants an
actual tree and going by his name and the enquiry combined, I think it
probable he's a Buddhist himself. I think he has probably exhausted all the
UK possibilities and will have to look abroad.
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
Perennials & shrubs online