Flora of Bangladesh

Allugash ( Mantisia radicalis , family: Scitamineae) is a perennial rhizomatous herb. Its aerial stem becomes about 60 cm long.  It is a rock plant, occasionally found in Chittagong, Rangamati and Sylhet of the country. It is found abundantly in the Lawachhora forest in Moulvibazar.  Leaves are ovate-oblong, 10-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, apex acuminate.  Flowers are yellow, borne on 20-45 cm long inflorescence. There are three bluish violet long glabrous sheaths. Calyx is divided into three parts. Corolla 2 cm long, upper part divided into three parts. Stigma has wings. Stamen is bluish-violet, 2.2 cm long.  Fruit is white or red, smooth, hexagonal, 10-13 mm long and 8-12 mm wide.  The plant is propagated by the division of rhizome. It is used in cough, asthma and rheumatic fever.

Motmotia or  Bushy lippia  ( Lippia alba , family: Verbenaceae)  is a perennial multi-branched shrub with creeping nature, up to 2 m high. There is a strong odor all over its body. Stem is weak and can be broken easily. The beautiful plant is originated in the tropics of North America and gradually spreads to other tropical regions. In Bangladesh it mainly grows in wetland, especially in fallow land and  roadside area.    Common names :  Bon pudina, Motka, Bakkan, Bhui okra. Leaves are strong-scented, light green, lanceolate, about 6-10 cm long and 3-4 cm wide, serrated, opposite.  Inflorescence is borne at the axil of leaf with light pink flowers. Flowers of the outer edge of inflorescence bloom first, followed by the middle ones. It blooms round the year. Propagation of the plant is caused by cuttings or division of root stalk.  Different parts of the plant are used as stomachic, analgesic, diuretic and e...

Gamari or  White teak  ( Gmelina arborea , family: Verbinaceae) is a fast growing deciduous tall tree with branches attaining a height of 15-35 m. Young shoots are hairy. Bark is whitish and smooth, beautiful. The trunk can be 3-4 m in diameter. It is a suitable tree for rapid forestation. It is liked to the local people for its light but durable timber. The tree is available in Chittagong and Chittagong hill tracts and Sylhet's hilly area. Leaves are opposite, 23-24 cm long and 15-156 cm wide, broadly ovate-acuminate, light green above, smooth; almost white and hairy beneath. Petiole 6-10 cm long. It sheds leaves during the winter. Flowers are brownish yellow, scented, sepals 5, petals 5, terminal, bilabiate (2-lipped), 3-3.5 cm long, slightly hairy. Flowers bloom in the middle of spring. Fruit is a drupe, 3 cm wide, smooth and green when raw, yellow, juicy and smells good when ripe. seeds 1-2. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. It...

Amloki or Amla  ( Phyllanthus emblica , family: Pyllanthaceae) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with branches attaining a height of 6-14 m. The plant is commercially cultivated in Bangladesh as well as Indian subcontinent. Amloki contains more vitamin C than any other fruits in the world except Barbados cherry.  Common names: Amla, Anola, Indian gooseberry, Emblic myrobalan. Flowers are very small, yellowish, crowded towards the lower portion of the branchlets. Flower blooms in March-April.  Leaves are feathery, small and linear.  Fruit is globose, light green, slightly transparent. Ripe fruit is yellowish; seed 6, blackish. Propagation is caused by seeds and by cuttings. Usually 6-7 years old plant starts giving fruits and the fruiting continues for 30-40 years. The fruit tastes not only sour but tastes bitter and sweet too.  The plant is grown in orchard for its valuable fruits, rich in medicinal substances. Fr...