Flora of Bangladesh

Boro shialmuti  or Siam weed ( Chromolaena odorata, family: Asteraceae) is a fast growing and highly reproductive perennial herb with many branches. In suitable condition, it can grow up to 10 m. Branches are hairy and glandular, stem woody. It grows in fallow land, in jungle and on the side of roads. It is regarded as an invasive plant round the globe. It has been said that, in Bangladesh, it escaped from the botanical gardens of Dhaka in the 19th centuary. It is originated in Americas, from USA to South America.  Leaves are green, triangular-ovate, 3-10 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, deeply dented with pointed end, opposite. The leaves give off a pungent scent when crushed. Bunch of flowers bloom in the shape of head. Flowers are small and light violet.   Fruits are round. Seeds are achenes, hairy. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. The seeds usually float in the air and travel long distances. However, it can go to different places through the body of  anim...

Orun or Scarlet cordia ( Cordia sebestena ) is a small tree reaching a height of 5-8 m with branches. The original home of the plant is tropical America. It is found especially in Central America, Florida of USA and the Caribbean islands. It is famous for its spectacular orange-colored flowers throughout the tropical world.  Leaves are elliptical, dark green, undulate, 15-25 cm long, petioled, opposite, rough and hairy, apex blunt. Petiole is about 2.5 cm long.  Flowers are showy, scarlet orange, 5-5.5 cm wide, tubular in the lower part, borne loosely on racemes at the tip of the branches. Petals are much bigger than the sepals. Petals 5-6. Flowers bloom throughout the year but profusely during Jan-March.  Fruits are pear-shaped, almost like small-sized Guava, scented, 5-6 cm long. Those are edible but tasteless. The plant is propagated from seeds. It is planted in gardens, parka and botanical gardens in Bangladesh. The beautiful exotic tre...

Bon-moricha or Pigeon berry ( Rivina humilis , family: Petiveriaceae) is an erect perennial herb with soft but slightly woody at base, attaining 1 m of height. The plant is easily recognizable by its brilliant red-colored fruits.  It can be planted in gardens and parks as an ornamental plant. The original home of the plant is USA (Florida to Texas). It is now naturalized in Bangladesh and India.  Leaves are dark green, simple, petioled, 2.5 cm long; alternate, ovate-oblong with narrow and elongated apex.   The hermaphrodite flowers are small, white with pedicel, on axillary, rarely terminal, many flowered racemes. Flowering occurs from August to April in Bangladesh. Fruit is berry, almost round, attractive, blood red.