Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
Planted as a sapling circa 1927
Native to South Asia
| | Edison and Ford Winter Estate | |
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
1. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) Marker
Ficus trees, such as the banyan, produce a fair amount of latex. However, labor costs and the trees slow growth made this option impractical for Edison, who was looking for a plant that could be harvested several times a year.
The Banyan tree (also known as the walking tree) is native to the heart of the rubber-producing region of southern Asia, which dominated the rubber market during the 1920s and 30s.
Banyans are one of the more than 800 species within the genus Ficus. The long branches support themselves by producing aerial roots that slowly grow downward into the ground, forming pillar-like trunks. There are over 13 types of Ficus throughout the gardens of Edison Ford.
Historical documents reveal the banyan was planted as a sapling on the Edison property around 1927. It is one of the largest banyans in the continental United States, with a canopy which covers almost one acre of land.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry
this page online
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 26° 38.024′ N, 81° 52.782′ W. Marker was in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It could be reached from McGregor Boulevard south of Larchmont Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers FL 33901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Edison Heritage Garden (here, next to this marker); Edison & Ford Winter Estates (within shouting distance of this marker); Meet Two of the Most Influential Men of the 20th Century (within shouting distance of this marker); Edisons Bayon Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Experimental Plots (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Edison, Chemist (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Mina Miller Edison (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lay of the Land (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.
Other markers no longer nearby. Mina Miller Edison (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Thomas Alva Edison
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
2. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) Marker
More about this marker. This marker has been removed and replaced with another marker on the same topic.
Also see . . . Edison & Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on October 23, 2015.)
Additional commentary.
1. Removed Marker
This marker has been removed and replaced with a marker on the same topic.
— Submitted August 8, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.
Additional keywords. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
3. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
Edison, Firestone and an assistant tap a Ficus tree ca. 1930. The white milky sap is latex that can be used to create rubber.
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
4. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
The banyan tree is pictured to the left, providing shade for an automobile ca 1933.
To the right is the Storehouse/Garage that now serves as the Ticket Office and Museum store.
circa 1930
5. Banyan Tree from Bengal, India Presented to Edison 1925 by Harvey Firestone...
Thomas A. Edison Winter Home Fort Myers, Fla.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,276 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on August 8, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 23, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 5. submitted on October 23, 2015. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
