Flora of Bangladesh

Shachi or Sessile joyweed ( Alternanthera sessilis , family: Amaranthaceae) is a creeping sub-aquatic herb with many branches, attaining a height of 10-35 cm. The branches are formed in pairs from the nodes of the stems. Sometimes it lies on the ground by forming roots from the stem axil.  Other names:  Chanchi, Phul heicha, Haiccha, Shati shak.  Stem is glabrous and usally green but sometimes reddish. Young shoots are minutely hairy. The plant grows near water bodies, in fallow lands, on roadside, even on old wall. It is found everwhere in Bangladesh. It is also found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Leaves are green, sessile, elliptic-oblanceolate, opposite, 5-6 cm long and 2.5-3.5 cm wide, undulated and dented irregularly, tip rounded.  The inflorescence, round in shape and white in color arises from the leaf axil. These are much like Maloncho (Alligator weed) . Florets are sessile, petals 5. It blooms almost round ...

Rubber bot or Indian rubber ( Ficus elastica , family: Moraceae) is a medium or large evergreen tree with aerial prop roots grow from its branches. The fig tree with milky latex in its leaves and shoots can get a height of more than 30 meters. The trunk is smooth, black-colored and has very tiny whitish spots. This tree is well-known as an ornamental plant. In Bangladesh, it is found on roadside area or the edge of forest and in parks and gardens. The beautiful tree is native to South and Southeast Asia. Leaves are spectacular, simple, big, leathery, deep green, sometimes deep purplish, shiny and smooth, elliptic-ovate, 12-30 cm long and 5-12 cm wide, petioled, alternate, acuminate at the top. Florets remain inside the fruit or fig which cannot be seen from outside. Fruiting occurs in the late spring. Fruits develop in the nodes of  the Fruits. They usually round, sometimes slender in shape. Mature fruits are yellow or red in color. The plant is propagate...

Kodom or Kadam ( Neolamarckia cadamba , family: Rubiaceae) is a tall fast growing deciduous tree with horizontal and spiral branches attaining a height of 15-20 m. The beautiful tree is native to South and Southeast Asia. This tree is closely associated with Radha-Sri Krishna. It is frequently mentioned in Bengali and Sanskrit literature. Its Sanskrit name is Kadamba. Common names: Kadam, Burflower-tree. Leaves are 12-22 cm long, elliptic oblong, dark glossy green above, alternative. Leaves have  conspicuous veins. Flower blooms in rainy season. However, sometimes it can be seen blooming even in winter. Flowers are borne on head, terimnal, single. Flower receptacle contains innumberable florets, white and yellow mixed. Flowers are strongly-scented. A kind of awkward smell comes out from the falling flowers though. It is planted in the villages for its dense shade. Its timber is soft and used as firewood. It is also used to ma...