Shurma or Hophead barleria, Baleria lupulina

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Shurma or Hophead barleria (Baleria lupulina, family: Acanthaceae) is a thorny shrub with numerous branches, attaining a height of 1-1.5 m. Stem is glabrous. Branches and young shoots are reddish and quadrangular. The hard and pointed thorns are originated from the leaf axil. It is found in gardens, medicinal gardens and botanical gardens in Bangladesh. It is also found in the countries of tropical Asia and tropical Africa.  

Other names: Kata bishollakoroni, Katabishala, Shonomukhi, Shorno jhinti.


Leaves are dark green, linear-lanceolate, 7-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, midrib reddish, short petioled.


Flowers are yellow having overlapping bracts, borne on terminal inflorescene; corolla is tubular, 3 cm long, lobes 5. Flower blooms in autumn. 


Fruit is a capsule, 2-seeded. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds and cuttings.


It is used in cold, fever, weakness, pain and swelling. Leaves are used in dogbites and snakebites. These are also used in rheumatic pain also.


The quadrangular and reddish branch, the reddish midrib of leaves, the bright yellow petals, the presence of thorns, all these features have increased its importance as an ornamental plant.

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Parul or Fragrant padri tree, Stereospermum chelonoides

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Jarul, Giant crepe-myrtle, Lagerstroemia speciosa

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Jarul or Giant crepe-myrtle   ( Lagerstroemia speciosa , family: Lythraceae) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with upright branches and grey bark. It can get a height of 15-20 m. The tree is native to South & Southeast Asia.  The water-loving plant is found around the wetlands areas in Bangladesh.  Common names: Giant crape-myrtle, Pride of India. Leaves are green, entire, elliptical or lanceolate, 10-20 cm long and 4-8 cm wide.  Fowers are in raceme inflorescences, showy, purple in color. Flower 5-7 cm across, have 5 petals with numerous stamens in the middle. It  gives flower early  in the  summer.  The round to oval-shaped fruit is  2-3 cm in diameter. When mature it becomes very dry and splits in 6 pieces.  Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. Parrot loves its fruits very much! The leaf and bark are laxative stimulant. The decoction made from these can prevent fever. The plant is water tolerating, so it is suitable for m
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