Flora of Bangladesh

Tokma or Pignut ( Hyptis suaveolens , family: Lamiaceae) is an annual herb with woody stem and profuse branches, attaining a height of 2 m. The whole body of the plant is filled with strong odor and minute hairs. It smells like Tulsi and is called Gonga tulsi or Bilati tulsi. The stem and branches are usually round but quadrangular when young. It is easily identifiable for its many characteristics.  Other names:  Tokmari, Gonga tulsi, Bilati tulsi; Chonga dana (Chakma).  The plant is not indigenous, but it has adapted very well to the country's condition. That is why it is found in the hilly area, as well as in fallow lands and along roadsides of the plains. The plant is indigenous to tropical America. Leaves are odorous, hairy, giving a velvety feel. The size and shape of the leaves vary. Its shape can be round, but most of the time it is quite triangular with cordial base; 2-12 cm long and 2-8 cm wide, with deep and irregularly toothed edges. Petiole is long.  Fl...

Khet papra or Carpet-weed ( Oldenlandia corymbosa , family: Molluginaceae) is an annual herb with profuse branches, of about 30 cm height. It likes to lie on the ground after getting a little bigger in size. Its branches are usually smooth but occasionally hairy. Leaves are linear-oblong, 1-2 cm long. As a very common plant it is found in abundance in fallow lands, land isles and gardens in Bangladesh. It is also found in the South Asian countries. Flowers are tiny, pure white on umbel inflorescence, sepals 4, petals 4. Flower blooms in January-February. Fruit is round. When the fruit ripens, it looks a lot like Coriander. Fruiting and flowering occurs from monsoon to winter. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds.  It is used to purify blood, relieve pain, quench thirst, destroy worm and eradicate cough and cold. It is also stomachic. It is eaten as vegetable somewhere.