The historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, became enlightened under a fig tree, Ficus religiosa, more than 2,500 years ago in what is today Bodhgaya, India. This tree is commonly referred to as the ‘Bodhi tree’.

As Buddhism spread across Asia and the rest of the world, saplings of the Bodhi tree have followed, including to Kauai.

In this presentation, Professor Dee Denver from Oregon State University will share biological and historical research on Bodhi trees that he and his team have done over recent years with special emphasis on Kauai’s Bodhi trees. The talk will include information about the cultural and historical significance, biology and genetics, and ecological impacts of Bodhi trees.

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity should contact library staff as soon as possible. Advance requests 48 hours or more before the event are encouraged, but not required.