Flora of Bangladesh

Mehedi or Henna ( Lawsonia inermi , family: Lythraceae) is an evergreen bushy shrub or small tree with profuse branches, attaining a height of 2-8 m.  It is a very common homestead plant in Bangladesh.  The historical plant is native to differnt parts of Asia, Africa and Australasia.                            Common names:  Henna, Hina, Mignonette tree, Egyptian privet. It is used in jaundice, leucorrhoea, shoulder pain, burning sensation in body, dandruff and insomnia.   Leaves are  elliptical, lanceolate, acuminate at the top and are sub-sessiled;  3-5 cm long and about 1 cm wide. Flowers are white, small, borne on terminal inflorescence. Petals 6. Flowers bloom  from late summer to autumn. Fruits are small, granular, deep purple or black-colored when ripe. Seeds are numerous, smooth, pyramidal. In Indian subcontinent including Banglade...

Nunia or Common purslane ( Portulaca oleracea , family: Portulacaceae) is an annual herb with soft branches, attaining a height of 25-40 cm. Its stem is purplish, smooth. The succulent is found in different parts of North Africa, Middle East, South and Southeast Asia to Australasia.     Common names: Common purslane, Pigweed, Little hogweed, Redroot, Moss rose. Alternate l eaves are green, thick, small, oval, narrow at the petiole. Flowering occurs mainly in the summer and rainy season. Yellow flower  blooms early in the morning;  petals 4-5. Flowers are up to  6 mm wide . It grows as weed in fallow land, roadside and the margin of the crop field in Bangladesh. Seeds are formed in a tiny pod, which opens when the seeds are mature. Propagation is caused by seeds. It is emollient and stomachic. Leaves are eaten as vegetables. 

Hijol or   Indian oak   ( Barringtonia acutangula , family: Lecythidaceae) is a medium-sized evergreen tree, native to riverine Bangladesh. This water-loving tree is found in the wetlands of Bangladesh. In rural areas, it can be seen standing in the water like Koronja .  Common names: Hijal, Hijangal, Hendol. Leaves are short petioled, serrated, 7-12 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, crowded at the end of the branches. Flowers are small, pink to red, sub-sessile, purple red with numerous stamens. Inflorescence is 20-30 cm long, pendulous raceme, flower openning from top to downwards.  The 4-merous flowers are grouped in long & pendulous racemes up to 20-30 cm long. The cup-shaped calyx is light green in color. Flowers bloom in April-May.  In the winter Its bark has tannin which is useful for heart diseases. Powder of seeds works expectorant and applied to cure cough of children. Tonic is prepared from leaves and roots. Fish poison is...