Banyan-grove tree

The Banyan-Grove Tree is in fact the hub and the whole of the swamp. That is to say; it's roots are all interconnected and spread for miles, "As one big living organism, spread across the entire world," according to Huu, a waterbender. Immediately beneath the branches of the tree, at the trunk, is where Huu gained his enlightenment. Ever since Huu has taken responsibility to protect the tree and thereby the swamp and ensuring the environment as well as the home of the Foggy Swamp Tribe remains.

Properties
The tree, the swamp, the environment, are directly connected to everyone and everything living as Huu explained. As well as that it has a mystic and enlightening effect on all it's visitors. While time being an illusion, it can show the past, present and future. The tribe accept it as their natural environment as well as their way of life. They also accept that they are part of it.

Encounter
After team are dispersed into the swamp separately from Appa and Momo, they too after being attacked by vines and become separated. It is unclear if it is the swamp, tree vines or Huu who is responsible for the attack. While separated the individuals begin to hallucinate. Zukko and Katara encounter people from their past. Aang however does not recognize the chuckling young girl "in a fancy dress", who is next to a strange creature, (aboar with wings), that appeared to him. Aang gives chase but despite his efforts she evades him.

Aang, Katara and Zukko meet again when they collide into each other. Aang realizes that the swamp/tree has 'brought' them to the heart of the swamp, directly by the main canopy of the Banyan-Grove Tree and it's trunk. They are then attacked by 'living' vine in the guise of a giant humanoid shape with a mask at the center, which turns out to be Huu. Huu then proceeds to explain how the Banyan-Grove Tree works.

Aang begins to understand how the spirit, mysticism and power of the tree can be used, as well as applying the theory of it's environment and calling on a greater scale. Aang concludes that the young giggling girl is someone he will meet, Toph. Aang then uses his enlightenment to utilize the power of the tree and his own spirit to connect, to search and to find the rest of the team (Appa and Momo). Placing his hand on one of the main tree roots, in a trance like state Aang is able to connect metaphysically with the tree, across the swamp, and to where his two pets are.

Trivia
The Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa] is where Buddha is said to have gained his enlightenment. The Bodhi tree has heart shaped leaves, it is uncertain which shape the leaves are on the Banyan-Grove Tree.