Banyan tree has a fascinating life history. Its seeds are dispersed within the forest canopy by birds and other tree-dwelling animals. There they germinate and begin as an epiphyte which sends down roots, enveloping and eventually killing the host tree. It has been distributed throughout tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world via cultivation and escaped into natural areas.



While not currently widespread or problematic in Florida, it has been listed as invasive in other tropical regions.

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The Banyan tree is fast growing and kills its host tree. The root system can damage infrastructure. It can also germinate on fenceposts and buildings causing structural damage.