Flora of Bangladesh

Modhunasini or Gurmar ( Gymnema sylvestre , family: Apocynaceae) is a woody and twining climber, covering with dense and yellow-colored hairs in young shoots and branches. The extensive plant is usually found covring the bushes or climbing a large tree in the forest, specially in the monsoon forests.  Other names: Ajaballi, Ajaghandini, karnika, Mesh-shringi. It is originated in India. It is also found in Sri Lanka and South Africa too. In Bangladesh it can be seen in medicinal gardens and botanical gardens. Tomentose leaves are ovate-elliptic, opposite, cordate at base, tip pointed, 3-6 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide, petioled. Flowers are axillary, yellowish, tiny, campanulate, fleshy, 4 mm in diameter, peduncled. Flowering occurs in the rainy season. Fruits are slender, knife-shaped, dehiscent, 3-9 cm long. The plant is propagated by seeds, air layering and cuttings The whole plant is full of medicinal properties. It is used in jaundice, piles,...

Modhu-monjori or Rangoon creeper (C ombretum indicum , family: Combretaceae) is a extensive woody perennial creeper with red flower clusters. The ornamental vine is native to South and Southeast Asia, specially to Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. The woody climber can reach a length up to 8 m. Common names: Modhu-monjori, Madhuri-lota, Rangoon creeper, Chinese honeysuckle. Flowers are originally red, slightly scented, corolla tubular, petals 5. Flowers bloom mainly in summer and rains.  Leaves are green, rough, opposite, ovate, apex acuminate, edge wavy, 6-14 cm long and 3-6 cm wide.  With the change of time the white flower becomes pink and then it turns red. Fruits are elliptical, 5-winged, dark brown in color.  The Bangla name of the flower (Modhu-monjori) is named by Rabindranath Tagore. It is grown in garden  as ornamental flower plant in Bangladesh. Leaves, roots and seeds are used in skin disease, worm, stomach disorder, ...

Hongsho lota or Calico flower ( Aristolochia littoralis , family: Aristolochiaceae) is an extensive climber with woody and slender stem. It can attain a height of 3-6 m. The plant is native to South America.  Common names : Hongsho lota, Calico flower, Elegant Dutchman's pipe. Flower is solitary, 6-8 cm across, violet inner side, hollow at the bottom, looking like swan. Insects are often trapped inside the pungent smelled flowers.  The evergreen climber produces flowers from April-October.  Leaves are green, heart-shaped, blunted at the end. In Bangladesh, the vine is grown in gardens for its strange-looking flowers. It needs strong support for its proper growth. Fruit is long with flat seed. Its propagation is caused by seed.