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.

Bishkatali or Pale persicaria ( Persicaria lapathifolia , family: Polygonaceae) is an annual herb attaining a height of 1-2.5 m. The plant is found throughout the tropical world. It is a very common weed in Bangladesh. It mostly grows on lowland and on the edge of ponds and canals. Common names: Bishkatali, Pale Persicaria. Leaves are green, glabrous, ovate-oblong, 7-18 cm and 5-8 cm wide, apex, acute, bottom part whitish, petiole 6-8 cm long.  Stem, leaf and inflorescence of persicaria orientalis are covered with dense hair.  Numerous small flowers grow on terminal inflorescence. The plant is propagated by seeds.  Leaves and roots are used to relieve physical pain.