Allugash, mantisia radicalis

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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.

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