Flora of Bangladesh

Kalmegh or Kalomegh, Green chirayta ( Andrographis paniculata , family: Acanthaceae) is a bushy herb attaining a height of 1 m. Stem and branches are quadrangular. It is well-known medicinal plant in Bangladesh as well as in Indian subcontinent. The whole plant is bitter.   Leaves are deep green, simple, opposite, narrow, 5-8 cm long, dented; veins and midribs are clearly visible. leaves taste bitter.  Flowers are small, white with pinkish shade; tomentose; they will be red too. They bloom from late autumn to spring (November-March).  Fruit is a capsule. They are narrow, upwards, small in size. There are numerous seeds in a pod. It propagates through seeds. The plant grows on fallow lands as weed in Bangladesh. Nowadays it is grown in homestead or farmland for its medicinal value.  It is used in dysentery, fever, worm, sore and stomach disorder. Liver tonic is prepared from the plant. The leaves are used to clean rotten wounds. It is used as an alt

Koronja or Pongam tree  ( Pongamia pinnata , family: Fabaceae) is a moderate-sized deciduous tree, attaining a height of 10-12 m, with spreading branches. Bark is soft and grey, covered with tubercles. It is suitable for roadside plantation and for parks and gardens.  The indigenous tree is found in the forests of Chittagong & Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox's Bazar, Sylhet & Khulna. The water-loving tree is also found in lowlands of the country. During the rainy season, the tree is seen standing in the water at those places like  Hijol (Indian oak,  Barringtonia acutangula ). English name of the plant is Indian Beech Tree. By the by, the other local name of the plant is Titgila. Leaves are compound, 15-25 cm long, leaflets 5-7, shinny, dark green, opposite, ovate or elliptical, 10-15 cm long, 6-8 cm wide.  The beautiful, reddish n ew leaves arrive in the month of March.  Flower is pinkish white or purplish, Green Pea-like, 1.2 cm long on short ax