benghalensis

Benghalensis is a Latin epithet used in the scientific names of many species to indicate origin from the Bengal region in the Indian subcontinent. In taxonomy, benghalensis appears across plants, animals, and fungi and is not tied to a single taxon; it signals that the type specimen or described population was associated with Bengal.

One well-known example is Ficus benghalensis, the banyan tree, native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas. The banyan is notable for its shallow but expansive root system and a crown that can spread over a large area. It is often described as forming a complex of interwoven trunks as aerial roots take root and enlarge the canopy. The banyan is culturally significant and is widely described as the national tree of India.

Other uses: The epithet benghalensis has been applied to numerous other organisms, including various plants and insects; in each case it reflects the region associated with its original description.

Etymology: benghalensis comes from Bengal, with the Latin suffix -ensis meaning “originating from” or “associated with.”