Within Indian Hindu mythology, the giant banyan is sacred and revered as a tree that can fulfil man’s wishes. The ancient banyan with its thick sinewing roots and expansive canopy soars to great height even as it exudes an air of protectiveness to all that come within its shade. The thick roots and sturdy trunk are often covered in moss and lichen so climbing them can prove to be treacherous and potentially harmful for one’s shin.

Here’s a young Norfolk pine nestled rather comfortably in the roots of a magnificent Banyan – rather like a tender twig in the arms of a mammoth. I wonder how long it will take for this young sapling to outgrow its protector and what will its growth do to the Banyan?

I admit, my heart aches a little for the old Banyan. Will he surrender some space and will that be enough for the young tree to grow to its full potential? Or will the Norfolk upstart usurp its keeper’s position and uproot the aged Banyan from its throne?