Flora of Bangladesh

Ashphol or Longan tree ( Dimocarpus longan , family: Sapindaceae) is a medium-sized (10-15 m) evergreen tree from Litchi family. Bark is blackish grey. Its fruit is known as Kath-lichu in Bangla, because it has a similarity with litchi. Leaflets green, 2-5 pairs, elliptical, ovate or lanceolate, acute or obtuse at the end, glabrous above, Veins and midribs are clearly visible, 7-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide.  Flowers are small, petals 5, yellowish white as Litchi's flower, soft and round, borne on terminal panicle. Male and hermaphrodite flowers can be seen in the same panicle. Flowers occur in February-Mach.  Fruit is round, brown and reddish yellow, containing one seed each like Litchi. Fruit-flesh is juicy and almost sweet as Litchi, but not thick as that. Fruits ripen in May-June.  The plant is propagated by seed and air layering. Fruits are edible and popular among the children of Bangladesh. Original home of the plant is Malay. It is fo...

Joggodumur , Jagdumur ( Ficus racemosa , family : Moraceae) is a  medium to large deciduous tree (15-16 m) with branches. The florets of the tree remain inside fruit or fig and cannot be seen from outside. Figs are good vegetables. The good looking plant can be easily detected by its brilliant red fruits which grow in cluster on trunks or branches. Leaves are slightly hairy, green, elliptical-ovate, 14-18 cm long, petiole 1.5-2.5 cm long. Mid-rib and veins are clearly visible. Figs are hairy also, big, 2-4 cm across. Immature fruits are light green, bright red when ripe. They are nutritious.                               Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds. The plant grows in wilderness and on fallow lands. It is found everywhere in Bangladesh. Fruits, roots, leaves and bark are used in cut wound and different tooth diseases. Its latex is used to prevent blood dripping. ...