Flora of Bangladesh

Trumpet vine ( C ampsis grandiflora , family: Bignoniaceae) is one of the most beautiful flowering climbers in the world. The woody deciduous climber from tropical America is very very favourite to amateur gardeners of the tropical world. Leaves are opposite, deep green, pinnate. Leaflet 7-9, terminal one present, dented, 3-5 cm long, veins are clearly visible. It blooms profusely from the summer to rainy season. The flowers can be seen easily by its gorgeous big showy clusters. Flowers are big in size, orange-colored, funnel-shaped; petals 5. A blooming flower is 4-5 cm across. Propagation of the plant is caused by cutting or sucker. It is grown as ornamental plant in Bangladesh. It can be seen in parks and roadside areas. The vine itself a attractive one.

Potpoti or   Minnieroot ,  ( Ruellia tuberosa , family: Acanthaceae) is a perennial herb, attaining 30-40 cm height, with branches. Leaves are green, hairy, 5-7 cm long. Common name: Potpoti, Chotpoti (Bangla); Sheep Potato, Minnieroot, Snapdragon Root, Cracker plant (English). Flowers are showy, violet in color, funnel-shaped, sepals 5, petals 5. In Bangladesh its flower blooms in summer.   Flower-buds are also nice to look at. It is called Cracker plant (in Bangla 'Potpoti') by the folk people come from the fact that children like to play with its dry pods that pop when rubbed with spit or water. The plant is propagated by seeds. It grows in fallow land as weed but can be cultivated in garden as decorative plant for its attractive, showy & nice colored flowers.  Root extract is used for nervous breakdown & anemia.