Sri Lanka's Sacred Tree: The World's Oldest Human-Planted Tree

Sri Lanka hosts the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura—a sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) planted in 288 BCE (over 2,300 years ago) from a cutting of the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Significance

• Oldest documented human-planted tree with a continuous recorded history.
• Planted by King Devanampiya Tissa's daughter, Sanghamitta, who brought the sapling from India.
• Located in Mahamewna Gardens, a monastery complex at ~2,800 ft elevation.
• Venerated by Buddhists worldwide; continuous care by successive monarchs and monks.
• Survived invasions, colonialism, and natural disasters; supported by golden crutches since 1960s.

A living link to Buddhism's founding moment and a marvel of botanical longevity.