Flora of Bangladesh

Ram- bashok or Titaphul ( Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis , family: Acanthaceae) is a perennial erect shrub with large leaves and few branches, attaining a height of 2.5 m. Main stem and branches are quadrangular. It is found at the forest edges of hilly areas of Bangladesh. It is also found in the Indian subcontinent and some countries of Southeast Asia. It can be planted as an ornamental flower in parks and gardens for its dazzling flowers. Leaves are simple, large, lanceolate, 7-20 cm long and 6-8 cm wide, acute at both ends, dark green, petioled, opposite. Upright inflorescence is terminal with many beautiful orange-colored flowers, 12-30 cm long. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 4-4.5 cm long. Flowers bloom in the spring.  Fruit is capsule, 3 cm long, seeds 12-14. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. It is used in common cold, fever, asthma, and skin diseases and rheumatism. Its flowers are used as an antidote to pox. Flowers are eaten as vegetable somewhere.  Synonym: J...

Hapormali or Bread Flower ( Vallaris solanacea , family: Apocynaceae) is a slightly woody and extensive creeper with pure white and highly scented flowers. The whole body of the plant is filled with milky latex. It is mainly found in the hilly forests of Bangladesh. In addition, it will be seen in some gardens and botanical gardens of the country. It is also found in South and Southeast Asia. Oher names: Mali, Ramsor, Hadpur. Leaves are big, 12-15 cm long and 4-6 cm wide, pale green, ovate-lanceolate with pointed apex, opposite, petioled. Fragrant flowers bloom in large clusters, usually 5-6 flowers. These are white, cup-shaped, abot 3 cm wide, peatals 5, sepals 5. The smell of the flower is so sweet that erasing it from our memory is a very difficult task. Flowers bloom in spring.  Milky latex is used in skin diseases somewhere. The plant is propagated by cuttings. It needs to be conserved in different parts of the country as it is limited to certai...