The Krishna Buttercup Tree

B. RATHINASABAPATHY and VIJAYA NARESH JUTURU share how the Heartfulness Institute is preserving a tree steeped in legend and ecological significance.

Among India’s sacred trees, few carry a story as tender as the Krishna Buttercup Tree. Its leaves, folded like tiny cups, are believed to have once held butter lovingly taken by young Lord Krishna. A tree with a legend etched in its leaves, it continues to inspire devotion, ecological respect, and conservation efforts to this day.

A Legend Written in Leaves

The Krishna Buttercup Tree (Ficus krishnae) is a unique species of fig, celebrated for its spiritually evocative leaf structure. Each leaf forms a natural cup or pouch—a feature deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology. According to popular lore, young Lord Krishna once stole butter and, to avoid being caught, hid it in a curled leaf. This legend gave rise to the tree’s name and its affectionate moniker: the buttercup tree. This story has kept the tree sacred for centuries, and its curled leaf is regarded as a divine signature—a living relic of Lord Krishna’s playful devotion.

A Tree Struggling to Survive

Unlike many other fig species, Ficus krishnae faces unique biological constraints that make natural regeneration extremely difficult. Studies have shown that only about 10% of seedlings grown from its seeds remain true to type, while nearly 90% revert to the common Ficus benghalensis. This means that even when seeds germinate, the chances of preserving the unique identity of Ficus krishnae are very low.

Additionally, the species relies on specialized pollinators, whose decline further disrupts its reproductive cycle. These compounded biological constraints place the tree at high risk of vanishing from its natural landscapes.

Conservation at Heartfulness Tree Conservation Center

To safeguard this culturally and ecologically significant species, the Heartfulness Institute, through the Heartfulness Tree Conservation Center, has undertaken extensive research on clonal propagation techniques. Propagation methods such as stem cuttings, air-layering, and tissue culture were systematically attempted to overcome the limitations of natural seed-based reproduction. Among these, tissue culture emerged as the most effective and reliable approach. Years of dedicated experimentation have enabled the development of robust protocols that ensure not only high survival and multiplication rates but also the preservation of the true genetic identity of Ficus krishnae in every sapling produced. As a result, hundreds of healthy saplings have been successfully raised at the center, a significant proportion of which are being distributed across diverse regions under our ex situ conservation programs. These efforts represent a critical step toward ensuring the long-term survival and restoration of this rare and culturally revered species. Beyond conserving a single rare tree, this work embodies the harmony between science and spirituality—protecting biodiversity while honoring cultural heritage.

Why This Tree Matters

Conserving Ficus krishnae is not just about protecting one species. It represents a broader message about the delicate balance between nature and culture, science and spirituality. Every threatened species lost is a thread removed from the intricate web of biodiversity, weakening ecosystems and diminishing cultural heritage.

Beyond conserving a single rare tree, this
work embodies the harmony between
science and spirituality—protecting biodiversity
while honoring cultural heritage.

At Heartfulness Institute, we believe conservation is both a scientific responsibility and a spiritual duty. Through our work with Ficus krishnae, we aim to set an example of how modern propagation techniques, combined with cultural wisdom, can address the challenges of conserving rare and threatened species.

A Tree Worthy of Worship and Wisdom

Krishna Buttercup Tree reminds us that every leaf can tell a story—in this case, a divine tale with ecological urgency. It connects the ancient with the future, myth with science, and devotion with action. May the curled leaf of Ficus krishnae inspire us to protect not only our sacred stories, but also the ecosystems that hold them.

The Krishna Buttercup Tree is more than a botanical rarity. It is a living link between myth and ecology, faith and responsibility. More than a tree, it is a story. A place where devotion meets conservation, and every leaf whispers a timeless bond between nature and faith.