Madurai marked the 107th birthday of a banyan tree in Meenakshipuram on 27 July 2026; the tree stands near Sellur‑Kulamangalam road close to the Sellur tank and is described as the last surviving centenarian in its immediate locality.
Tree and Location
- Species: Banyan — Ficus benghalensis (family Moraceae).
- Age and status: 107 years as of 27 July 2026; last surviving centenarian in the local area.
- Site: Meenakshipuram, near Sellur tank, adjacent to Sellur‑Kulamangalam road, Madurai (Tamil Nadu).
- Ecological role: Provides nesting habitat for birds and contributes to urban green cover and microclimate regulation.
Conservation Actions
- Event: Birthday observance held as a Green Nature Festival organised by the Water Body Protection Movement.
- Community care: Annual celebrations reported since 2019; local watering and maintenance measures employed.
- Awareness measures: Distribution of saplings and educational material during events to encourage local stewardship.
Threats and Related Incidents
- Urban pressures: Road widening and park construction previously resulted in removal of at least seven local banyans.
- Direct threats: Garbage burning, repeated branch cutting by utility workers, and festival firecracker noise reported as damaging factors.
- Concurrent incident: A 200‑year‑old banyan collapsed in Kulithalai (Karur district) on the same day, causing property damage.
Exam Facts
- Botanical feature: F. benghalensis develops prop/aerial roots that form supportive trunks and expansive canopies.
- Family: Moraceae — includes figs and mulberries, many species important for wildlife food webs.