Shitolpati or Murta, Schumannianthus dichotomus
Shitolpati or Murta (Schumannianthus dichotomus, family: Marantaceae) is an evergreen and erect water-loving shrub with clump-forming rhizome. Stem is green, smooth and slender, forked at the end. The plant is up to 5 m high. The plant is found in the plain land of some districts of Bangladesh as well as Sylhet and Chittagong area. It is also found in the Indian subcontinent and tropical or subtropical Southeast Asia.
Other Bangla names: Mostak, patibet, patipata, Muktopati
Shitolpati, a gorgeous bed mat is made from the soft bark of this plant. The artistic product has recently been listed in UNESCO World Heritage List.
Leaves at the top of the long stem. Those are entire, shinny, coriacious, elliptic-oblong, acute at the end, alternate, 15-20 cm long and 5-8 cm wide.
Propagation is by division of rhyzome.
It is cultivated for its commercial use. Leaves and stems are important ingredient for the traditional hand loom and cottage industry. Many types of commercial products are made from this.
ReplyDeleteFor businesses looking to enhance their product offerings, exploring innovative printing techniques can make a significant difference. Many companies are now turning to local dtf printing to achieve high-quality, vibrant designs on a variety of surfaces. This method not only ensures durability but also provides cost-effective solutions for short-run and custom orders. By utilizing services like local dtf printing, brands can stand out in a competitive market and meet customer demands efficiently.