In Odisha, 5 trees were documented as part of The Big Tree Quest. This includes the Maha Sal, a 300+ year old tree, along with other majestic, old trees.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: ~500 years
The Sakhibata banyan tree stands in Bilabalarampur village, about 6 km from Kendrapara. It spreads across approximately 1.3 acres, with around 600 aerial roots that have developed into supporting trunks, forming a wide, interconnected structure.
The tree is recognized by the state government as a tourist attraction and remains a large, continuous banyan formation within the village landscape.
Species: Michelia champaca (Champak)
Estimated age: ~320 years
The champak tree stands within Simlipal National Park and is identified as Asia’s second tallest of its kind. It is a large evergreen tree, with a girth of around 18 feet at breast height and significant vertical growth.
Natural ferns are seen growing on the tree, adding to its structure.
Species: Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)
Estimated age: ~300–400 years (older tree largely decayed)
The banyan tree near the Konark Sun Temple is a large tree known for its layered structure. The older tree, estimated to be over 300–400 years old, is now largely decayed, with remnants still visible and entangled within newer growth emerging around it.
The currently visible tree is a younger growth that has developed over and around the remains of the older one, forming a continuous structure of roots and branches.
Locally, the tree is associated with the belief that a devil was killed under it.
Species: Shorea robusta (Sal)
Estimated age: ~340 years
The Maha Sal tree stands within the forests of Similipal and is identified as a heritage sal tree. It has a large trunk with a girth of around 16 feet at breast height and a tall, spreading canopy.
Locally, it is referred to as a “Mahavrikshya” and is worshipped by tribal communities, with generations associating it with forest-based traditions and practices.
Species: Not clearly identified
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
A roadside tree locally referred to as “Simli Ped”, from which the Simlipal region is believed to derive its name. The tree is identified by its 5 leaf pattern and fruiting.