Flora of Bangladesh

Tit begun or Turkey berry ( Solanum torvum , family: Solanaceae) is a perennial undershrub with hairy stem and shoots, attaining a height of 3 m. Stem with minute spots have stout spines. In Bangladesh it can be seen almost everywhere including the hilly areas. It is also found in Central & South America. It grows as weed in waste place and beside cropfields and roads.  Other names: Goth begun, Gota begun. Leaves are compound, opposite, hairy, ovate, or multi-lobed, 12-15 cm long and 7-10 cm wide. Flowers are small, pure white with triangular lobes, 2-2.5 cm wide, bloom in cluster. Flowers and fruits are found almost all the year round. Fruit is berry, globose, yellow when ripen, 1-1.5 in diametre. Dried fruits do not fall off easily. These are dark brown in color. It is propagated by seeds.  Root is used for heart disease, asthma, cough, worm, toothache and fever. The fruit is used in snake bites. Leaf juice mixed with gijnger i...

Amal lota  or Fox grape (C ayratia trifolia , family: Vitaceae) is a creeping herb with soft stem and many branches and has trifoliated leaves. The perennial climber is native to Indian subcontinent as well as several regions of Asia and Australia.  It grows here and there in Bangladesh.  Common names : Omallat, Omol-lota (Bangla),  Fox grape,  Bush grape, Three-leaved wild vine. Leaves are trifoliate, 4-10 cm long with 2-3 cm long petiole. Leaf edges are serrated. Flowers are white, small, borne on cyme inflorescence. Flower blooms in summer and rainy season. Fruits are juicy, blackish when ripe, nearly round, 1 cm in diameter. The plant is propagated by seeds. New shoots may come out from old root also.  Different parts of the plant is used  in the treatment of snake bite and diabetes.  Roots mixed with pepper are applied on tumor. Leaves and seeds also used to various medicines.