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.

Kanchira  or Bengal dayflower ( commelina benghalensis , family: commelinaceae) is an annual herb with swollen nodes. It is native to tropical Asia and Africa.  Common names: Kanchira, Bengal dayflower, Tropical spiderwort. Leaves are green, alternate, simple, 10-15 cm long, with prominent sheath. Inflorescence arises from the axil of a foliage leaf. Flower is blue, small, sepals 3, petals 3. It blooms in August-September.  Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds.  It grows as a weed on fallow land in Bangladesh. Its juice is applied as antiseptic on cut or burning injury. Root is used in headache, fever and leprosy. Knot of stem is used to prevent sterility.