Flora of Bangladesh

Jongoilla shak or Dogal tree (Sarcochlamys pulcherrima , family: Urticaceae) is a large shrub or small tree, attaining a height of 2-5 m. Young shoots are somewhat multi-angled and covered with minute hairs. The evergreen plant is found near the streams or fountains in the forests of Sylhet, Chattogram and Chattogram Hill Tracts. It has been also found in the Southern coastal region and in Netrokona. In addition to the country, it can be found in several South and South Asian countries.   Other names: Moriccha, Achila, Pahari kewra. Leaves are beautiful, shiny green and rough, slightly leathery, narrowly lanceolate, 12-18 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, petioled, alternate, 3-veind, mainly but have numerous irregular vein-like marks; edge regularly toothed, tip pointed. Upper part of the blade is shiny green, lower is whitish green. Stipules are tiny, reddish. Flowers are in branched spikes. These are dioecious (female and male are in separate plant). Fruit is achene. It is propag...

Kakrol or Spiny gourd ( Momordica dioica, family: Cucurbitaceae) is a perennial, dioecious, climbing creeper, originated from Indo-Malayan region and gradually found in East Asia, Polynesia, tropical Africa and South America. Common names: Kakrol, Spiny gourd, Teasel gourd, Bristly Balsam Pear, prickly carolaho. The yellowish and oval-shaped fruits have soft prickle. Seeds are egg-shaped, emarginate.    Leaves are petioled, 4-8 cm long and 3-6 cm wide, broadly ovate, base cordate, margin denticulate, apex acute. Flowers are single, axillary, whitish, yellow at the centre.  Momordica dioica is used as a vegetable in Bangladesh, India, as well as South Asian countries.  The climber has tuberous roots and simple tendrils. It is used in the treatment of  hypertension, diabetes and   to relieve pain.