LeafyVegetablesinBangladesh PDF

Leafy Vegetables in Bangladesh
March, 2015
Author: Rafiul Islam Tanziman Ara,
Bangladesh
Ph ton eBooks
All Rights Reserved with Photon.
UBN: 015-A94510112010 Edition: I Impact Index: 4.74

LEAFY VEGETABLES IN BANGLADESH
Rafiul Islam
Tanziman Ara
1
Content
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Description of the Species
Sl. No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Page
No.
1. Kolmi sha Ipomoea aquatica Convolvulaceae
2. Lal shak Amaranthus gangeticus Amaranthaceae
3. Thankuni Centella asiatica Mackinlayaceae
4. Bothua Chenopodium album Chenopodiaceae
5. Alu shak Solanum tuberosum Solanaceae
6. Puishak Basella alba Basellaceae
7. Sanchi shak Alternanthera sessilis Amaranthaceae
8. Morogful shak Celosia cristata Amaranthaceae
9. Amrul Oxalis europea Oxalidaceae
10. Mula shak Raphanus sativa Brassicaceae
11. Note shak Amaranthus viridis Amaranthaceae
12. Brakhi shak Bacopa monniera Plantaginaceae
13. Napashak Malva verticillata Malvaceae
14. Moulovikochu Xanthosoma atrovirens Araceae
15. Data shak Amaranthus oleraccus Amaranthaceae
16. Muktajhuri Acalypha indica L. Euphorbiaceae
17. Geji shak Elephantopous scaber L. Asteraceae
18. Halim shak Lepidium sativum L. Brassicaceae
19. Marmuri shak Stellaria media L. Caryophyllaceae
20. Derosh Abelmoschus esculentus L. Malvaceae
20. Vatshola Aeschynomene indica L Fabaceae
21. Piajpata Allium cepa L. Liliaceae
22. Roshun pata Allium saivum L. Amaryllidaceae
23. Kalo sorisha shak Brassica nigra Brassicaceae
24. Shalgom pata Brassica rapa L. Brassicaceae
25. Helencha Enhydra fluctuans Asteraceae
26. Chalkumra shak Benincasa hispida Cucurbitaceae
27. Kochu Colocasia esculenta Araceae
28. Mistikumra shak Cucurbita maxima Cucurbitaceae
29. Laushak Lageneria siceraria Cucurbitaceae
30. Shojne Moringa olifera Moringaceae
31. But shak Cicer arietinum Fabaceae
2
No.
32. Pat shak Corchorus olitorius Malvaceae
33. Sorisha shak Brassica campestris Brassicaceae
34. Vuiamla Phyllanthus niruri L. Phyllanthaceae
35. Pipul Piper longum L. Piperaceae
36. Dhekishak Pteris cretica L. Pteridaceae
37. Bokful Sesbania grandiflora Pers. Fabaceae
38. Kakmorich Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae
39. Futki begun Solanum indicum L. Solanaceae
40. Shusni shak Marsilea quadrifolia Marsileaceae
41. Palong shak Spinacea oleracea Amaranthaceae
42. Dupra shak Leucas aspera Lamiaceae
43. Morich Capsicum fruticans Solanaceae
44. Motorsuti Pisum sativum Fabaceae
45. Gima shak Mollugo spergula Molluginaceae
46. Olkochu pata Amorphophalus bulbifer Araceae
47. Shialkata Argemone mexicana Papaveraceae
48. Ishormul pata Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae
49. Nimpata Azadirachta indica Meliaceae
50. Rai sorisha Brassica juncea L. Brassicaceae
51. Bandhakopi Brassica oleracea L. ver. capittata Brassicaceae
52. Fulkopi Brassica oleracea L. ver. botrydis Brassicaceae
53. Olkopi Brassica oleracea L. ver. gangyloide Brassicaceae
54. Orohor Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth. Fabaceae
55. Beth pata Calamus viminalis Willd. Arecaceae
56. Ajwain pata Trachyspermum ammi Apiaceae
57. Radhuni pata Carum roxburgianum Benth. Apiaceae
58. Chandromollika Chrysanthemum coronarium Asteraceae
60. Harjore Cissus quadrangularis L. Vitaceae
61. Potol Trichosanthes diota Roxb. Cucurbitaceae
62. Chicinga Trichosanthes lobata Roxb. Cucurbitaceae
63. Guloncho Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Hook. f. Menispermaceae
64. Berela Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae
65. Borboti Vigna sinensis Endl. ex. Hassk. Fabaceae
66. Goallota Vitis setosa Wall. Vitaceae
3
No.
67. Mohavringoraj Wedelia calendulacea Less. Asteraceae
68. Kantanote Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae

69. Kashari shak Lathyrus sativus Fabaceae
70. Nunia shak Portulaca oleracea Portulacaceae
71. Purnima shak Boerhaavia repens Nyctaginaceae
72. Mankochu Alocasia indica Schott. Araceae
73. Chinabadam Arachis hypogea L. Fabaceae
74. Oporajita Clitoria ternetea L. Fabaceae
75. Atoshi Crotalaria retusaa L. Fabaceae
76. Telakucha Coccinea cordifolia (L.) Cogn. Cucurbitaceae
77. Mukhikochu Colocasia antiquorum Schott. Araceae
78. Kanshira Commelina bengalensis Commelinaceae
79. Sada pat Corchorus capsularis L. Malvaceae
80. Dhonia Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae
81. Kumra Cucurbita pepo Cucurbitaceae
82. Dhudhilota Pergularia daemia Apocynaceae
83. Gajor Daucus carota Apiaceae
84. Thonthoni shak Digera muricata (L.) Mart. Amaranthaceae
85. Shem Dolichos lablab L. Fabaceae
86. Asamlata Chromolaena odorata Asteraceae
87. Mouri Foeniculum vulgare Gaertn. Apiaceae
88. Khethpapra Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Rubiaceae
89. Mistialu Ipomoea batatus Lam. Convolvulaceae
90. Keshordam Jussiaea repens L. Onagraceae
91. Letush Lactuca sativa L. Asteraceae
92. Moshur Lens esculenta Moen. Fabaceae
93. Roktodrone Leonurus sibiricus L. Lamiaceae
94. Dondokolosh Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. Lamiaceae
95. Vuiokra Lippia nodiflora (L.) Rich. Verbenaceae
96. Dhundol pata Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. Cucurbitaceae
97. Jhinga Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. Cucurbitaceae
98. Pudina Mentha sicata L. Lamiaceae
99. Kakrole Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng. Cucurbitaceae
100. Padmo Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nelumbonaceae
4
No.
101. Shapla Nymphaea lotus Hook. Nymphaeaceae
102. Gondhovadoli Paederia foedtida L. Rubiaceae
103. Bonpalong Sonchus arvensis L. Compositae
104. Bazra Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.) Stap. f Poaceae
105 Maghi sorisha Brassica napus Brassicaceae
106. Sada sorisha Brassca alba Hook. Brassicaceae
107. Shosha Cucummis sativus L. Cucurbitaceae
REFERENCES
5
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh, located in the humid tropical region is rich in species diversity and is unique in the
diversity of genetic resources compared to its land area. Bangladesh is located between latitudes
20°34' to 26°38' north and longitudes 88°01' to 92°41' east. The country consists mostly of flood
plains (80%) with some hilly areas (12%), with a sub-tropical monsoon climate. In winter,
temperature ranges from a minimum of 70 to 13°C to a maximum of 230 to 32°C. In summer, the
temperature varies from 36°C to 41°C. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 143 to 434 cm. The
population stood at 131.6 million in 2001.
Bangladesh has a total area of 14.39 million hectares, of which 9.12 million ha is cultivated, 2.14
million ha public forests, 0.27 million ha village groves, and 1.64 million ha constantly under water.
The remaining land area (1.22 million hectares) is occupied by tea gardens, uncultivable areas, rural
and urban houses and ponds. The area covered by government and village forests is about 16% of the
total land area; however only 0.93 million ha (6.5%) is under tree cover, which is about 40% of the
forests controlled by the government. The remaining 60% includes denuded lands (grassland,
scrubland and encroached areas). About 24 000 ha of forest is lost annually as a result of homestead
development, urbanization and deforestation.
Leaf vegetables, also called potherbs, greens, vegetable greens, leafy greens or salad greens, are
plant leaves eaten as a vegetable, sometimes accompanied by tender petioles and shoots. Although
they come from a very wide variety of plants, most share a great deal with other leaf vegetables
in nutrition and cooking methods. Nearly one thousand species of plants with edible leaves are
known. Leaf vegetables most often come from short-lived herbaceous plants such
as lettuce and spinach. Woody plants whose leaves can be eaten as leaf vegetables
include Adansonia, Aralia, Moringa, Morus, and Toona species. The leaves of many fodder crops
are also edible by humans, but usually only eaten under famine conditions.
Examples include alfalfa, clover, and most grasses, including wheat and barley. These plants are
often much more prolific than more traditional leaf vegetables, but exploitation of their rich nutrition
is difficult, primarily because of their high fiber content. This obstacle can be overcome by
further processing such as drying and grinding into powder or pulping and pressing for juice. Leaf
vegetables contain many typical plant nutrients, but since they are photosynthetic tissues,
their vitamin K levels in relation to those of other fruits and vegetables, as well as other types of
foods, is particularly notable. The reason is that phylloquinone, the most common form of the
vitamin, is directly involved in photosynthesis. This causes leaf vegetables to be the primary food
class that interacts significantly with the anticoagulant pharmaceutical warfarin.
6
During the first half of the 20th century, it was common for greengrocers to carry small bunches of
herbs tied with a string to small green and red peppers, these bundles were called "potherbs."
Leaf vegetables are typically low in calories, low in fat, high in protein per calorie, high in dietary
fiber, high in iron and calcium, and very high in phytochemicals such as vitamin
C, carotenoids, lutein, folate, magnesium as well as vitamin K. A primary source of dietary inorganic
nitrate for nitric oxide production in the body is from leafy vegetables, in particular spinach and
arugula. Nitric oxide is a natural cardio-protective that contributes to cardiovascular health and
reported to be responsible for the anti-hypertensiveeffects of plant-based diets such as the DASH
diet and the Mediterranean diet. The vitamin K content of leaf vegetables is particularly high, since
these are photosynthetic tissues and phylloquinone is involved in photosynthesis. Thus, users
of vitamin K antagonist medications, such as warfarin, must take special care to avoid leaf
vegetables entirely (or else eat a very carefully monitored and constant amount of one or more of
them, which is very difficult). Even green beans, peas, and green fruits usually have too little vitamin
K to cause problems for users of these medications, and while other plant tissues (fruits and non-
green vegetables) and meats contain some vitamin K, it is usually too little to cause large changes in
coagulation status with warfarin. (Note: the cyanobacterium Spirulina, due to its photosynthetic
nature, contains significant vitamin K).
Taxonomic investigation of some leafy vegetables growing throughout Bangladesh was carried out.
107 species of different families were collected and identified. A complete taxonomic account of
each species was given with current nomenclature, different common names, local name, description
of the plant, cultivation, propagation, habitat, distribution and uses.
Main objective of this investigation was to introduced with different leafy vegetables of different
zones of Bangladesh.
7
Description of the Species
Local name: Kolmi shak

Scientific name: Ipomoea aquatica
Family: Convolvulaceae
Introduction
Ipomoea aquatica is a semiaquatic, tropical plant grown as a leaf vegetable. Water-spinach - This
introduction from Southeast Asia is a popular cultivated green vegetable in China, India, Malaysia,
Africa, Brazil, the West Indies, and Central America. Due to its aggressive growth rate, waters
pinach has great potential to invade moist cultivated areas, such as rice and sugar cane fields, and
wet areas such as the Everglades, natural lakes and rivers, drainage canals, and ditches. In Florida,
isolated populations have been found floating and creeping horizontally along shorelines and over
water for long distances, especially in canals and lakes.
Other names
Water spinach, River spinach, Water morning glory, Water convolvulus, Chinese spinach, Swamp
cabbage, Kangkong, Phak bung, Rau muong, Trokuon, Kalmi shak, kangkung, Chinese Kangkong.
Habitat
Due to its aggressive growth rate, water spinach has great potential to invade moist cultivated areas,
such as rice and sugar cane fields, and wet areas such as the Everglades, natural lakes and rivers,
drainage canals, and ditches. In Florida, isolated populations have been found floating and creeping
horizontally along shorelines and over water for long distances, especially in canals and lakes.
Description of the plant

I. aquatica grows in water or on moist soil. Water-spinach is a creeping, herbaceous vine that is
cultivated in some cultures as a vegetable. Leaves are alternate, simple, with smooth petioles 3-14
cm (1-6 in) long; leaf blades generally arrowhead shaped but variable, smooth (rarely hairy), to 17
cm (7 in) long, with tips pointed; blades held above water when stems floating. Stems are
8
herbaceous, trailing, with milky sap and roots at the nodes; usually to 3 m (9 ft) long but can be
much longer. Flowers are showy, white, or pale pink to lilac; broadly funnel shaped, “morning-
glory” like; solitary or in few flowered clusters at leaf axils. The flowers can form seed pods which
can be used for planting. Fruit is an oval or spherical capsule, woody at maturity, about 1 cm (1/2 in)
wide, holding 1-4 grayish seeds, these often short-hairy.
Cultivation
Ipomoea aquatica is most commonly grown in East and Southeast Asia. Because it flourishes
naturally in waterways and requires little, if any, care, it is used extensively in Burmese, Thai, Lao,
Cambodian, Malay, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, especially in rural or kampung (village) areas.
The vegetable is also extremely popular in Taiwan, where it grows well. During the Japanese
occupation of Singapore in World War II, the vegetable grew remarkably easily in many areas, and
became a popular wartime crop. In non-tropical areas it is easily grown in containers given enough
water in a bright sunny location. It readily roots from cuttings.
Uses
1. Most species have spectacular, colorful flowers and are often grown as ornamentals, and a number
of cultivars have been developed. Their deep flowers attract large Lepidoptera -
especially Sphingidae such as the pink-spotted hawk moth (Agrius cingulata) - or
even hummingbirds.
2. The genus includes food crops; the tubers of sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and the leaves
of water spinach (I. aquatica) are commercially important food items and have been for millennia.
3. Peonidin, an anthocyanidin potentially useful as a food additive, is present in significant quantities

in the flowers of the 'Heavenly Blue' cultivars.
4. Studies conducted with pregnant diabetes-induced rats have shown a blood sugar lowering effect
of Ipomoea aquatica by inhibiting the intestinal absorption of glucose.
9
Local name: Lal shak
Scientific name: Amaranthus gangeticus
Family: Amaranthaceae
Introduction
Amaranthus is a leafy vegetable that can be grown throughout the year. It can be grown on a wide
range of soils. It bears the botanical name Amaranthus gangeticus, belongs to the family
Amaranthaceae .The leafy vegetable can be grown on all soil types. The crop will be ready for first
cutting in 30 days; subsequent cuttings can be had at interval of 15 to 20 days. Vanpro has its
associate farms and can resource the required quantity of this leafy vegetable. Amaranth leaves are a
source of protein and calories. They also contain small amounts of other minerals and some other
vitamins in small amounts.
Other names
Chinease Spinach.
Habitats
A widely cultivated plant, it is not known in a truly wild situation.
Amaranthus gangeticus is a annual growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8 in). It is hardy to

zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 10-Apr It is in flower from Jun to August, and the seeds
ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or
female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind, self. The plant is
self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-
drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It
cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
10
Cultivation
Prefers a light well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position, though it does succeed in heavier soils.
Tolerates fairly acid soils. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 7.8. This is basically a tropical plant and
so requires a hot sheltered position in temperate climates if it is to do well. Plants should not be given
inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. A polymorphic species, it is often cultivated for its
edible leaves, there are many named varieties. This species is often cultivated in Asia for its edible
leaves and seed. It is a very ornamental plant and is often grown in the flower garden. Most if not all
members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4
carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight
and under dry conditions.
Propagation
Seed - sow late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made in a greenhouse and the plants put out
after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good if the soil is warm. A minimum
soil temperature of 10°c is required for germination, germination is better at temperatures above
20°c. A drop in temperature overnight aids germination. Cuttings of growing plants root easily.
Uses
1. Leaves - raw or cooked. Often used at the young seedling stage, they are also cooked as a spinach
and have a very mild flavour. An excellent hot weather substitute for spinach. The leaves contain
about 3.5% protein, 0.25% fat, 6.6% carbohydrate, 3.1% ash, 24 mg iron per 100 g, 464 mg calcium
per 100 g, they are rich in vitamin A and have a fair content of vitamins B1 and C. On a zero
moisture basis 100 g of the leaves contains up to 2441 mg calcium, 1008 mg phosphorus, 51 mg
iron, 34 mg sodium, 4475 mg potassium, 37,623 micrograms beta-carotene equivalent, 0.68 mg
thiamine, 2.37 mg riboflavin, 11.48 mg niacin and 730 mg ascorbic acid.
2. The whole plant is astringent. A decoction of the root is used with Cucurbita moschata to control
haemorrhage following abortion.
11
Local name: Thankuni
Scientific name: Centella asiatica
Family: Mackinlayaceae
Introduction
Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella, is a small, herbaceous, annual plant of the
family Mackinlayaceae or subfamily Mackinlayoideae of family Apiaceae, and is native to India, Sri
Lanka, northern Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Melanesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea,
and other parts of Asia. It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African
medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Other names
It is also known as the Asiatic pennywort or Indian pennywort in English, among various other
names in other languages.

Centella grows along ditches and in low, wet areas. Centella grows in tropical swampy areas.The
stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish-green in color, connecting plants to each other.
It has long-stalked, green, reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with
palmately netted veins. The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm. The rootstock
consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root
hairs. The flowers are pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the
surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are
minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens
and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which
have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit. The crop matures in three months, and the whole plant, including
the roots, is harvested manually.
12
Uses
1. According to the American Cancer Society, although centella is promoted for its health benefits,
available scientific evidence does not support claims of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any
other disease in human.
Local name: Bothua

Scientific name: Chenopodium album
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Introduction
Chenopodium album is a fast-growing weedy annual plant in the genus Chenopodium. Though
cultivated in some regions, the plant is elsewhere considered a weed. Common names include lamb's
quarters, melde, goosefoot and fat-hen, though the latter two are also applied to other species of the
genus Chenopodium, for which reason it is often distinguished as white goosefoot. It is sometimes
also called pigweed However, Pigweed is also a name for a few weeds in the family:
Amaranthaceae, The Name pigweed is used for Amaranthus albus, Redroot pigweed and others.
Chenopodium album is extensively cultivated and consumed in Northern India as a food crop.
Other names
Bathua, Bathuwa, Pappukura, Paruppukkirai, Kaduoma, Vastuccira, and Chakvit.
Distribution
Its native range is obscure due to extensive cultivation, but includes most of Europe, from
where Linnaeus described the species in 1753. Plants native in eastern Asia are included under C.
album, but often differ from European specimens. It is widely introduced elsewhere, e.g. Africa, Au
stralasia, North America, and Oceania, and now occurs almost everywhere in soils rich in nitrogen,
especially on wasteland.
13
It tends to grow upright at first, reaching heights of 10–150 cm (rarely to 3 m), but typically becomes
recumbent after flowering (due to the weight of the foliage and seeds) unless supported by other
plants. The leaves are alternate and can be varied in appearance. The first leaves, near the base of the
plant, are toothed and roughly diamond-shaped, 3–7 cm long and 3–6 cm broad. The leaves on the
upper part of the flowering stems are entire and lanceolate-rhomboid, 1–5 cm long and 0.4–2 cm
broad; they are waxy-coated, unwettable and mealy in appearance, with a whitish coat on the
underside. The small flowers are radially symmetrical and grow in small cymes on a dense
branched inflorescence 10–40 cm long.
Cultivation
The species are cultivated as a grain or vegetable crop (such as in lieu of spinach), as well as animal
feed in Asia and Africa, whereas in Europe and North America, it is commonly regarded as a weed in
places such as potato fields.
Uses
The leaves and young shoots may be eaten as a leaf vegetable, either steamed in its entirety, or
cooked like spinach, but should be eaten in moderation due to high levels of oxalic acid. Each plant
produces tens of thousands of black seeds. These are high in protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus,
andpotassium. Quinoa, a closely related species, is grown specifically for its seeds. The Zuni
people cook the young plants' greens.
Archaeologists analysing carbonized plant remains found in storage pits and ovens at Iron Age and
Roman sites in Europe have found its seeds mixed with conventional grains and even inside the
stomachs of Danish bog bodies. The leaves and young shoots of this plant are used in dishes such as
soups, curries, and paratha-stuffed breads, especially popular in Punjab. The seeds or grains are used
in phambra or laafi, gruel-type dishes inHimachal Pradesh, and in mildly alcoholic fermented
beverages such as soora and ghanti.
As some of the common names suggest, it is also used as feed (both the leaves and the seeds)
for chickens and other poultry.
14
Local name: Alu shak
Scientific name: Solanum tuberosum
Family: Solanaceae
Introduction
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the family Solanaceae. It was introduced to Europe in 1536,
and subsequently throughout the world. It soon became an important food staple and field crop.
Potato is a versatile, carbohydrate-rich food and prepared and served in a variety of ways. It is very
popular in Simla and Northern States. It is essentially a winter crop .It is grown in the districts of
Hassan, Belgaum and parts of Chickmagalur, Shimoga and interior Karnataka districts. The crop is
grown in both the monsoon season and also winter season. Vanpro is able to procure the
requirements of this vegetable from its associates.
Solanum tuberosum is thought to have originated in the Andes of South America. It was probably
first domesticated in the Lake Titicaca region of Peru and Bolivia between 10,000 and 7,000 years
ago. It is widespread in cultivation, with major producers including China, Russia, Poland, the USA,
Ukraine, Germany and India.
Common name(s)
Potato, common potato, white potato, Irish potato, European potato.
Habitat
Montane (highlands).

An erect, perennial, aromatic herb up to 1 m tall. Sparsely hairy, with tuber-bearing underground
stolons (vegetative shoots). Stems erect, succulent, winged, branching. Leaves are divided into 3–5
pairs of leaflets. Flowers are white to pink, purple or blue, about 2.5 cm in diameter with yellow
anthers. Borne in a many-flowered, axillary inflorescence. Each flower is borne on a flower stalk
(pedicel) 2–3 cm long. Fruit is a succulent (but inedible), spherical, yellow-green to purple berry, up
15
to 4 cm in diameter. Thousands of cultivars are available, which vary in characters such as tuber size,
shape and skin colour.
Cultivation
Potatoes are generally grown from seed potatoes – these are tubers specifically grown to be disease
free and provide consistent and healthy plants. To be disease free, the areas where seed potatoes are
grown are selected with care. Potato growth has been divided into five phases. During the first phase,
sprouts emerge from the seed potatoes and root growth begins. During the
second, photosynthesis begins as the plant develops leaves and branches. In the third
phase stolons develop from lower leaf axils on the stem and grow downwards into the ground and on
these stolons new tubers develop as swellings of the stolon. This phase is often (but not always)
associated with flowering. Tuber formation halts when soil temperatures reach 27 °C (81 °F); hence
potatoes are considered a cool-season crop. Tuber bulking occurs during the fourth phase, when the
plant begins investing the majority of its resources in its newly formed tubers. At this stage, several
factors are critical to yield: optimal soil moisture and temperature, soil nutrient availability and
balance, and resistance to pest attacks. The final phase is maturation: The plant canopy dies back, the
tuber skins harden, and their sugars convert to starches.
New tubers may arise at the soil surface. Since exposure to light leads to greening of the skins and
the development of solanine, growers are interested in covering such tubers. Correct potato
husbandry can be an arduous task in some circumstances. Good ground
preparation, harrowing, plowing, and rolling are always needed, along with a little grace from the
weather and a good source of water. Three successive plowings, with associated harrowing and
rolling, are desirable before planting. Eliminating all root-weeds is desirable in potato cultivation. In
general, the potatoes themselves are grown from the eyes of another potato and not from seed. Home
gardeners often plant a piece of potato with two or three eyes in a hill of mounded soil. Commercial
growers plant potatoes as a row crop using seed tubers, young plants or microtubers and may mound
the entire row. Seed potato crops are 'rogued' in some countries to eliminate diseased plants or those
of a different variety from the seed crop. Potatoes are sensitive to heavy frosts, which damage them
in the ground. Even cold weather makes potatoes more susceptible to bruising and possibly later
rotting, which can quickly ruin a large stored crop.
Uses
Potatoes are a major staple and have a prominent place in many national cuisines. They are an almost
complete foodstuff, providing all the essential nutrients, with the exception of calcium and vitamins
A and D (which can be obtained by consuming them with milk).
16
Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrate and vitamin C. The diverse and adaptable tubers are
boiled, roasted, baked, fried and steamed as a vegetable. Potatoes are a key ingredient in many soups,
stews, pies and other oven-baked dishes.
They are processed into a diverse range of foodstuffs including chips (French fries), crisps (chips),
potato bread (such as boxty), potato flour and dried potato. They are a common source of starch,
glucose and dextrin.
Potatoes are used to produce alcoholic beverages including vodka and schnapps. They are also used
as animal feed.
All green parts of the plant, including tubers that have been exposed to light contain poisonous
glycoalkaloids (solanines), so tubers with green patches should not be eaten.
Local name: Puishak

Scientific name: Basella alba
Family: Basellaceae
Introduction
Basella alba is an edible perennial vine in the family Basellaceae. It is found in tropical Asia and
Africa where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. Basella alba is usually referred to as the "spinach"
equivalent of a certain country in English, even though it is not closely related to the true spinach
(Spinacia oleracea). Examples include "Malabar spinach", "Ceylon spinach", "Indian spinach",
"Surinam spinach", "Chinese spinach", or "Vietnamese spinach". Other common names include
"vine spinach", "red vine spinach", "climbing spinach", "creeping spinach", "buffalo spinach",
"Malabar nightshade", and "broad bologi".
Other names
Pui shaak, poi ni bhaji, basale soppu, vine spinach, red vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping
spinach, buffalo spinach, Malabar spinach, valchi haji, vauchi bhaji, vallicheera, mayalu, poi
saga, vel niviti (sudu) , bachhali basale, kubay, libatu, alugbati, pag pang, mong tơi, saan
choy, shan tsoi, luo kai, shu chieh, lo kwai and tsurumurasaki.
17
Basella alba is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine, reaching 10 metres (33 ft) in length. Its thick,
semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavour and mucilaginous texture. The stem of the
cultivar Basella alba 'Rubra' is reddish-purple.
Cultivation
Basella alba grows well under full sunlight in hot, humid climates and in areas lower than 500
metres (1,600 ft) above sea level, native to tropical Asia. Growth is slow in low temperatures
resulting in low yields. Flowering is induced during the short-day months of November to February.
It grows best in sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.0.
Uses
Typical of leaf vegetables, Malabar spinach is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is
low in calories by volume, but high in protein per calorie. The succulent mucilage is a particularly
rich source of soluble fiber. Among many other possibilities, Malabar spinach may be used to
thickensoups or stir-fries with garlic and chili peppers.
In Karnataka Cuisine (Karavali and Malnad regions), the leaves and stems are used to make Basale
Soppu Saaru/Curry (Especially in combination withJackfruit seed). In Bengali cuisine it is widely
used both in a vegetable dish, cooked with red pumkin, and in a non-vegetarian dish, cooked with the
bones of the Ilish fish. In Andhra Pradesh, a southern state in India, a curry of Basella and Yam is
made popularly known as Kanda Bachali Koora [Yam and Basella curry]. Also it used to make the
snack item bachali koora bajji. In Odisha, India, it is used to make Curries and Saaga (any type of
dish made from green leafy vegetables is called Saaga in Odisha). In the Western
Ghats in Maharashtra, India, it is used to make bhaji.
The vegetable is used in Chinese cuisine. It has many names including flowing water vegetable. It is
often used in stir-frys and soups. In Vietnam, particularly the north, it is cooked with crab
meat, luffa and jute to make soup.
Malabar spinach has been shown to contain certain phenolic phytochemicals and it has antioxidant
properties.
18
Local name: Sanchi shak
Scientific name: Alternanthera sessilis
Introduction
Alternanthera sessilis is an aquatic plant known by several common names, including sessile
joyweed and dwarf copperleaf. It is used as anaquarium plant.
Other names
Sanchi shak, Chaanchi, Khodiokora, Gudri sag, Matsyakshi, Giojihra, Putturah, Senchi, Germandi
ara, Ponnanganni keeray (Mal. & Tam.).
Habitat
This plant is available in the aquarium trade though it will not grow submersed for anything but short
periods. However it can be useful in the tropical pond or terrarium though needs restriction as it can
grow and propagate quickly under good conditions.
Terrestrial, annual or perennial, prostrate herb. This is a perennial herb with prostrate stems, rarely
ascending, often rooting at the nodes. Leaves obovate to broadly elliptic, occasionally linear-
lanceolate, 1-15 cm long, 0.3-3 cm wide, glabrous to sparsely villous, petioles 1-5 mm long. Flowers
in sessile spikes, bract and bracteoles shiny white, 0.7-1.5 mm long, glabrous; sepals equal, 2.5-3
mm long, outer ones 1-nerved or indistinctly 3-nerved toward base; stamens 5, 2 sterile. In the wild it
flowers from December till March. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in few-flowered
glomerules, sessile, white. Fruit nut-like.
Cultivation
Flowering and fruiting are throughout the year. Propagules : Seeds. Sowing Times : July—February.
Reproduced by seeds and vegetative. Many branched and stolons from the node creep on the
ground; fruits are dispersed myrmecochorously. Flowering May to December: fruiting June to
19
January. Preferably wet soil, along ditches, fallow lands. The plant grows in wet soil in lakes,
marshes, irrigation canals and rice field levees and in waterways, up to 1,250 m altitude. Distribution
pantropical.
Uses
The leaves are used as a vegetable. Young shoots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable in Southeast
Asia. Occasionally it is cultivated for food or for use in herbal medicines. Leaves along with the
flowers and tender stems are used as vegetable in Karnataka. It is diuretic, tonic and cooling. Juice of
this plant, deemed beneficial to eyes, is an ingredient in the making of medicinal hair oils and Kajal
(kohl). The red variety of this plant is a common garden hedging plant, which is also used as a
culinary vegetable.
Local name: Morogful shak

Scientific name: Celosia cristata
Introduction
Celosia cristata is a member of the genus Celosia, and is commonly known as cockscomb, since the
flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). It is called Chi Kuan in China. The plants are hardy
and resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one
with no shade and a well drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. The plant is used
frequently as an ornamental plant indoors. Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables. They
are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America.
Celosias belong to the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. There are about 60 species of annual or
perennial Celosia. The three common forms of celosia belong to only two different species, Celosia
argentea (aka cristata L.) and Celosia spicata.
20
Other name
Cockscomb
Plants are annual, leaves are alternate, linear to ovate-lanceolate, to 2" long, green usually, red or
bronze in a few cultivars. Flowers are crested (resembles a rooster's comb) in red, pink, yellow,
orange, generally jewel colors; plume (resembles a feather plume) in similar colors. Season of
blossom is spring to early summer, individual inflorescences can last up to 8 weeks; generally poor
in summer in zone 8. Growth habit 6" to 8", habits vary with cultivars. Well drained soil is preferable.
Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade in Zone 8 is recommended), not heat tolerant. Utilization-
fresh-cut and dried flowers, edging, borders or beds. Propagation- seed; readily reseeds
Cultivation
The plants are hardy and can be grown easily from the seeds. Since the plants are of tropic origin,
they thrive in areas with tropical climate. However, they can also be grown in summer months in the
colder climate. The plants being annual plants, grow for only about one fourth of a year. A soil
temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for growth. The plants are relatively easy to grow
and care for having few insects that feed on them. Mites though are known to feed on the plants. The
plants are also susceptible to leaf spotting, root rot and root strangulation. However the former two
can be prevented by avoiding a damp soil and the latter by frequent weeding. Also wetting the leaf
and flowers should be avoided as they can lead to fungal diseases.
Uses
Leaves are used as vegetables and as a herbal medicine. This plant also cultivated as a ornamental
plant in our garden or house.
Local name: Amrul

Scientific name: Oxalis europea
Family: Oxalidaceae
21
Introduction
Oxalis is by far the largest genus in the wood-sorrel family Oxalidaceae: of the approximately 900
known species in the Oxalidaceae, 800 belong here. The genus occurs throughout most of the world,
except for the polar areas; species diversity is particularly rich in tropical Brazil,Mexico and South
Africa.
Many of the species are known as wood sorrels (sometimes written "woodsorrels" or "wood-sorrels")
as they have an acidic taste reminiscent of the unrelated sorrel proper (Rumex acetosa). Some species
are called yellow sorrels or pink sorrels after the color of their flowers instead. Other species are
colloquially known as false shamrocks, and some called sourgrasses. For the genus as a whole, the
term oxalises is also used.
Oxalis is a genus of wood-sorrels that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and contains over 800
individual species of plants. Members of the Oxalis genus can be identified by their dense clusters of
low growing foliage consisting of three or more notched leaflets. There are wild species
of Oxalis growing in most regions of the world, many of which are cultivated as garden
plants. Oxalis wood-sorrels are edible plants with a long history of culinary and medicinal use.
Other names
Indian sorrd, Wood Sorrell, Sour grass
Habitat
Woodland garden, Sunny edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Annual, herbaceous, three hearts like leaflet present in the leaf, large, pentangular fruit; reproduce by
seed. These plants are annual or perennial. The leaves are divided into three to ten or more obovate
and top notched leaflets, arranged palmately with all the leaflets of roughly equal size. The majority
of species have three leaflets; in these species, the leaves are superficially similar to those of some
cloves. The flowers have five petals, which are usually fused at the base, and ten stamens. The petal
color varies from white to pink, red or yellow; anthocyanins and xanthophylls may be present or
absent but are generally not both present together in significant quantities, meaning that few wood-
sorrels have bright orange flowers. The fruit is a small capsule containing several seeds.
The roots are often tuberous andsucculent, and several species also reproduce vegetatively by
production of bulbils, which detach to produce new plants. The most common species of Oxalis have
numerous single leaves that consist of three evenly-shaped leaflets. There are also some species with
leaves that have up to ten leaflets. Most of these wood-sorrels blossom in the mid to late spring with
22
flowers that have five fused petals. The flowers of Oxalis wood-sorrels are usually white or yellow,
but there are also species with pink or red flowers.
Cultivation
Rabi and kharif are thegrowing season of this plant. Prefers moist shady conditions and a humus rich
soil in shade or dappled sunlight. Dislikes very heavy and wet soils. Plants are hardy to about -25°c.
A dainty woodland carpeter growing well in a woodland or wild garden. When well sited the plants
can run aggressively and also self-sow. The plant flowers in early spring, but does not produce much
fertile seed at this time. Most of the fertile seed is produced from cleistogamous flowers during the
summer.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots
when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in
spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have
found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame
until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Uses
These types of plants have also been gathered and cultivated for medicinal purposes. The leaves of
these wood-sorrels contain a chemical compound called oxalic acid that cleanses the palate and
satisfies hunger pangs when chewed. Practitioners of folk medicine used to extract salt crystals that
they referred to as sorrel salt for various medicinal purposes. Sorrel salt is actually a form of calcium
oxalate and is no longer used due to its role in the formation of kidney stones.
Leaves - raw or cooked. A delicious lemony flavour, the leaves make a refreshing, thirst-quenching
munch and are also added to salads, soups, sauces etc. This leaf should be used in moderation, see
the notes above on toxicity. Flowers - raw. A decorative addition to salads. The dried plant can be
used as a curdling agent for plant milks.
The fresh or dried leaves are anodyne, antiscorbutic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant,
febrifuge, irritant and stomachic. A decoction is used in the treatment of fevers, both to quench the
thirst and allay the fever. Externally, the leaves are crushed and applied locally to dispel boils and
abscesses, they also have an astringent affect on wounds. When used internally, some caution is
advised due to the oxalic acid content of the leaves, the plant is contra-indicated for people suffering
from gastritis or a calculus condition.
23
Local name: Mula shak
Scientific name: Raphanus sativa
Family: Brassicaceae
Introduction
The radish (Raphanus sativus) is an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that was
domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times. They are grown and consumed throughout the world.
Radishes have numerous varieties, varying in size, color and duration of required cultivation time.
There are some radishes that are grown for their seeds; oilseed radishes are grown, as the name
implies, for oil production. Radish can sprout from seed to small plant in as little as 3 days.
Radish is a source of several nutrients. It contains more than 90 percent water and as much potassium
as bananas about half the ascorbic acid of oranges. Radishes are also an excellent source of Vitamin
C, folate and a good source of magnesium. Radishes can be found both trimmed and with their
greens still attached. Buy firm, compact radishes (softer ones indicate a pithy interior). If the leaves
are still attached, they should be fresh and bright green. Discard the leaves, place radish roots in a
plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Other names
The descriptive Greek name of the genus Raphanus (ῥάφανος) means "quickly appearing" and refers
to the rapid germination of these plants. Raphanistrum, from the same Greek root, is an old name
once used for this genus. The common name "radish" is derived from Latin radix (root).
Radishes are round to cylindrical with a color ranging from white to red. A longer root form, ideal
for cooking, grows up to 15 cm (6 in) long, while the smaller, rounder form is typically eaten raw in
salads. The flesh initially tastes sweet, but becomes bitter if the vegetable is left in the ground for too
long. Leaves are arranged in a rosette, with sizes ranging from 10–15 cm (4–6 in) in small cultivars,
24
to up to 45 cm (18 in) in large cultivars. They have a lyrate shape, meaning they are
divided pinnately with an enlarged terminal lobe and smaller lateral lobes. The white flowers are
borne on a racemose inflorescence. The radish is a diploid species, and has 18 chromosomes (2n=18).
Cultivation
It can be grown in all the three seasons. Radishes grow best in full sun and light,
sandy loams with pH 6.5–7.0. They are in season from April to June and from October to January in
most parts of North America; in Europe and Japan they are available year-round due to the plurality
of varieties grown. Summer radishes mature rapidly, with many varieties germinating in 3–7 days,
and reaching maturity in three to four weeks. Harvesting periods can be extended through repeated
plantings, spaced a week or two apart. As with other root crops, tilling the soil to loosen it up and
remove rocks helps the roots grow. However, radishes are used in no-till farming to help reverse
compaction.
Most soil types will work, though sandy loams are particularly good for winter and spring crops,
while soils that form a hard crust can impair growth. The depth at which seeds are planted affects the
size of the root, from 1 cm (0.4 in) deep recommended for small radishes to 4 cm (1.6 in) for large
radishes.
Uses
Ginisang Radish Labanos with ground beef. The most commonly eaten portion is the
napiform taproot, although the entire plant is edible and the tops can be used as a leaf vegetable. It
can also be eaten as a sprout.
The bulb of the radish is usually eaten raw, although tougher specimens can be steamed. The raw
flesh has a crisp texture and a pungent, peppery flavor, caused by glucosinolates and the
enzyme myrosinase which combine when chewed to form allyl isothiocyanates, also present
in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi.
Radish leaves are sometimes used in recipes, like potato soup or as a sauteed side dish. They are also
found to benefit homemade juices; some recipes even calling for them in fruit-based mixtures.
Radishes may be used in salads, as well as in many European dishes.
25
Local name: Note shak
Scientific name: Amaranthus viridis
Introduction
Amaranthus viridis is a cosmopolitan species in the botanical family Amaranthaceae and is
commonly known as Slender Amaranth or Green Amaranth
Other names
Notey, Notey shak, Marissag, Ahu Mihim Ga (Marma), Green Amaranth, Wild Amaranth, Green
pigweed.
Habitat
Cultivated beds.
Amaranthus viridis is a annual growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). An erect, branched annual herb, 30-60 cm
high; branches often purplish. Leaves long-petioled, ovate, 2.5-5 cm, variable in breadth. Flowers
minute, pale green, in small axillary clusters and in slender tapering terminal and axillary paniculate
spike-like racemes. It is frost tender. It is in leaf 10-Apr. It is in flower from Jul to September, and
the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male
or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and are pollinated by Wind, self.The plant
is self-fertile.
Cultication
Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do
well. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. Cultivated as a
food plant in the tropics. Should this plant be called A. caudatus. L. 'Viridis' Most if not all members
of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-
fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and
under dry conditions.
26
Propagation
Seed - sow late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made in a greenhouse and the plants put out
after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good if the soil is warm. A drop in
temperature overnight aids germination. Cuttings of growing plants root easily.
Uses
1. Amaranthus viridis is used as a medicinal herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, under
the Sanskrit name Tanduliya.
2. Leaves - cooked as a spinach. A mild flavour. The leafy stems and flower clusters are similarly
used. Seed - cooked. Very small, about 1mm in diameter, but it is easy to harvest and very nutritious.
The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to
crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the
digestive system without being assimilated.
3. Plants for a future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants.
Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
4. A decoction of the entire plant is used to stop dysentery and inflammation. The plant is emollient
and vermifuge. The root juice is used to treat inflammation during urination. It is also taken to treat
constipation.
4. Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
Local name: Brakhi shak

Scientific name: Bacopa monniera
Family: Plantaginaceae
Introduction
Bacopa monnieri (waterhyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, water hyssop) is a perennial,

creeping herb native to the wetlands of southern India and Australia. Bacopa is an important
medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, where it is also known as "Brahmi," after Brahmā, the creator God
of the Hindu pantheon. Bacopa has traditionally been employed as a neurological tonic and cognitive
enhancer, and it is currently being studied for its possible neuroprotective properties.
27
Other names
Brakhi, Bacopa.
The leaves of this plant are succulent, oblong and 4–6 millimeters thick. Ulasimang-aso is a
creeping, smooth, somewhat fleshy plant, with branches 5 to 20 centimeters long. Leaves are
stalkless, entire, oblong-ovate to spatulate, 8 to 15 millimeters long, up to 4 millimeters wide, widest
near the blunt tip, and tapering toward the base. Flowers are borne singly in the axils of the leaves,
on stalks which are usually as long as the leaves or longer. Calyx is about 5 millimeters long, the
outer sepal being oval and the others ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate. Corolla is 8 to 10 millimeters
long; the tube, which is nearly as long as the calyx or quite as long, has white or pale violet lobes.
Capsules are ovoid and shorter than the calyx. Seeds are numerous and pale.
Distribution
It commonly grows in marshy areas throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Pakistan, Taiwan,
and Vietnam. It is also found in Florida, Hawaii and other southern states of the United States where
it can be grown in damp conditions by the pond or bog garden. This plant can be grown
hydroponically.
Propagation
Propagation is often achieved through cuttings.
Uses
Bacopa has been used in traditional Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy and asthma. It is also used in
Ayurveda for ulcers, tumors, ascites, enlarged spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anemia,
and biliousness. Bacopa displays antioxidant and cell-protective effects. It also
inhibits acetylcholinesterase, activates choline acetyltransferase, and increases cerebral blood
flow. In rats, bacoside A enhances antioxidation, increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase,
and glutathione peroxidase activities. Brahmi augments Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. Several
studies have suggested that Bacopa extracts may have protective effects in animal models
of neurodegeneration. There have also been preliminary clinical studies suggesting improvement of
cognitive function in humans.
28
Local name: Napashak
Scientific name: Malva verticillata
Family: Malvaceae
Introduction
Malva verticillata, also known as the Chinese mallow is a species of the mallow genus Malva in
the family of Malvaceae found in East Asia. M. verticillata is an annual or biennial that grow up to
1.7 meters in high and can inhabit woodland areas of different soil types. In temperate climates, it
flowers from July to September and the seeds from August to October. The flowers of the plant are
self-fertile but can be also propagated by insects.
The plant was an important leaf vegetable in pre-Han Dynasty China and widely cultivated. Mallow
is mentioned in Huangdi Neijing as one of the five consumable herbs which included
mallow, pea leaves, Allium macrostemon, Welsh onion and Garlic chives.
Malva is a genus of about 25–30 species of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the
family Malvaceae (of which it is the type genus), one of several closely related genera in the family
to bear the common English name mallow. The genus is widespread throughout
the temperate,subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. The word "mallow" is
derived from Old English "malwe", which was imported from Latin"malva", cognate with Ancient
Greek malakhē meaning "mallow", both perhaps reflecting a Mediterranean term. A number of
species, previously considered to belong to Lavatera, hae been moved to Malva.
Other names
Lapha shak
The leaves are alternate, palmately lobed. The flowers are from 0.5–5 cm diameter, with five pink or
white petals.
29
Cultivation
Several species are widely grown as garden flowers, while some are invasive weeds, particularly in
the Americas where they are not native.
Many species are edible as leaf vegetables. Known as ebegümeci in Turkish, it is used as vegetable
in Turkey in various forms such as stuffing the leaves with bulgur or rice or using the boiled leaves
as side dish. Malva verticillata (Chinese; pinyin: dōngháncài, Korean: auk) is grown on a limited
commercial scale in China; when made as a herbal infusion, it is used for its colon cleansing
properties and as a weight loss supplement.
Cultivation
Very easily grown, short-lived perennials often grown as ornamental plants. Mild tasting young
mallow leaves can be a substitute for lettuce, whereas older leaves are better cooked as a leafy green
vegetable. The buds and flowers can be used in salads. Cultivation is by sowing the seeds directly
outdoors in early spring. The seed is easy to collect, and they will often spread themselves by seed.
Uses
It leaves are used as vegetables in our country. In Catalonia (Southern Europe) they use the leaves to
cure stinging nettles sting. Bodo tribals in Bodoland, Assam (Northeast India) cultivate a sub-species
of malva and use it extensively in their traditional cuisine, although its use is not much known among
other people of India. Malva sp. leaves have been used in the traditional Austrian medicine internally
as tea or externally as baths for treatment of disorders of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and
respiratory tract.
Local name: Moulovikochu

Scientific name: Xanthosoma atrovirens
Family: Araceae
Introduction
Xanthosoma is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae. The genus contains about 50
species that are native to tropical America. Several are grown for their starchy corms, an important
30
food staple of tropical regions, known variously as malanga, otoy, otoe, cocoyam (or new cocoyam),
tannia, tannier, yautía, macabo, macal, taioba, dasheen, quequisque, ʻape and (in Papua New
Guinea) as Singapore taro (taro kongkong). Many other species (including especially X. roseum) are
used as ornamental plants, and in popular horticultural literature are known as ‘ape or elephant ear
(from the purported resemblance of the leaf to an elephant's ear), although the latter name is
sometimes also applied to members with similar appearance and uses in the closely related genera
Caladium, Colocasia (i.e., taro), and Alocasia. The leaves of most Xanthosoma species are 40-
200 cm long, sagittate (arrowhead-shaped) or subdivided into three or as many as 18 segments.
Unlike the leaves of Colocasia, those of Xanthosoma are usually not peltate- the upper v-notch
extends into the point of attachment of the leaf petiole to the blade.
Malanga is a root vegetable popular in the tropics and South America. In Florida, malanga is the
most popular form of cocoyam, which is a general name applied to several species of Xanthosoma. It
is also called yautia, cocoyam, eddo, coco, tannia, sato-imo, and Japanese potatoes. Leafy species of
Xanthosoma not grown for tubers are called belembe and calalous.
There are several different malangas: Malanga blanca (Xantyosoma sagittifikium), considered the
true malanga, which grows on dry land. Another is malanga amarillo (Xanthosoma atrovirens) which
grows in wet bog-like areas.
Other names
Kimpol, Mickey mouse taro, Mouse cup, Pocket plant, Yautia amarilla, Spoonflower, Ape (Ah-pay),
Anyamanya cocoyam, Arvi, Calaloo bush, Camacho, Cara, Dasheen, Eddoes, Inhame, Inhame roxo,
Keladi, Malanga amarilla, Malanga cabeza, Malanga blanca, Malanga islena, Malanga lila,
Mangarito, New cocoyams, Old Cocoyam, Papa China, Red coco, Slippery dips, Suran, Taioba,
Taioba, Talas, Tanier, Taioba roxa, Tannia, Taro Root, Yautia amarilla, Yautia blanca, Yautia lila.
The leaves of kimpol are blueish-green, the leaf tip is shaped like a small funnel. All parts, including
the roots, are edible. A “Live Plant Germplasm” may be a hardy live plant, a whole tuber (bulb), or
smaller plant offsets (mini-plants). What ships out on any given day depends on availability, where
its going, size of the order vs. room left in the box, and possibly other factors. We prefer to ship live
plants in the 6-10″ size range, but can always ship out whole roots while that method isn’t preferred
unless the specimens are already rooting out. It can be unpredictable which ones rot completely vs.
those that might offset a plant shoot or more and we prefer to keep the gamble on this end to
minimize headaches for all.
31
Cultivation
Rhizome is the propagule. Full sun / partial shade; rich, well drained soil is preferable.
Can be grown as a container plant; keep in frost free spots.
Uses
Domestication of Xanthosoma species (especially X. sagittifolium but also X. atrovirens, X.

violaceum, X. maffaffa, and others) is thought to have originated in northern lowland South America,
then spread to the Antilles and Mesoamerica. Today, Xanthosoma is still grown in all those regions,
but is especially popular in Cuba and Puerto Rico, where it is used in alcapurrias. It is grown in
Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Jamaica to make the popular callaloo dish. It is also grown in
West Africa, now a major producer, where it can be used as a replacement for yams in a popular
regional dish called fufu. Xanthosoma is also grown as a crop in the Philippines.
Traditionally, Xanthosoma has been a subsistence crop with excess sold at local markets, but in the
United States, large numbers of Latin American immigrants have created a market for commercial
production. In general, production has yet to meet demand in some areas. In Polynesia, Xanthosoma
(‘ape) was considered a famine food, used only in the event of failure of the much preferred taro
(kalo) crop. These cormels (like the corm) are rich in starch. Their taste has been described as earthy
and nutty, and they are a common ingredient in soups and stews. They may also be eaten grilled,
fried, or puréed. The young, unfurled leaves of some varieties can be eaten as boiled leafy vegetables
or used in soups and stews. People with food allergies sometimes find malanga is a great
hypoallergenic flour alternative, because the proteins are less allergenic.
Local name: Data shak

Scientific name: Amaranthus oleraccus
Introduction
Amaranthus oleraccus is a cosmopolitan weed, spread over the world from the tropics to temperate
areas such as Japan and Western Europe, in some areas reported as rather noxious. It probably
32
originates from the Mediterranean region. It has been recorded for many African countries, and
probably occurs throughout tropical Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia, South Africa and the Indian
Ocean islands. It is mostly a protected weed in backyards and home gardens, and sometimes
produced for sale at the market. It is cultivated in Central Africa (Cameroon) and East Africa (Kenya,
Uganda). The cultivated type probably originates from India where it still is an important vegetable.
It is a popular home garden vegetable in south-eastern Europe, e.g. in Greece where it is used as a
substitute for spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) during the hot dry summer months.
The genus Amaranthus comprises about 70 species, including at least 17 species with edible leaves.
Many local types and cultivars of Amaranthus blitum occur.
Cultivated types are larger, more erect and more succulent than weedy types.
Chinese amaranth is a tropical vegetable native of South-East Asia that thrives in coastal areas
during the summer months. It can be found at elevations between sea level and 800 m. Adapted to
low to medium humidity. Chromosome number of this plant is 2n = 34.
Other names
Chinese amaranth, Tampala, Chinese spinach, Yin-choy, Amaranth, Amarante, Bayam, Kulitis, Phti,
Phak khom suan, Rau den, pigweed, purple amaranth (En), Amarante sauvage, amarante blette (Fr),
Amaranto, bredo (Po), Mchicha (Sw).
Annual herb, small and stunted to rather tall and erect, up to 100 cm tall; stem simple or branched,
glabrous. Leaves arranged spirally, simple without stipules; petiole 1–10 cm long; lamina angular
ovate, 1–10 cm × 0.5–6 cm, shortly cuneate at base, notched at apex, entire, glabrous, green or more
or less purple, pinnately veined. Inflorescence an axillary many-flowered cluster, forming a false
spike at apex of plant, with male and female flowers intermixed; bracts up to 1 mm long. Flowers
unisexual, subsessile, with 3(–5) tepals up to 1.5 mm long; male flowers with 3 stamens opposite
tepals; female flowers with superior, 1-celled ovary crowned by (2–)3 stigmas. Fruit a subglobular to
broadly ovoid-ellipsoid capsule c. 2 mm long, indehiscent or bursting irregularly, crowned by
stigmas, 1-seeded. Seed lenticular, up to 1.5 mm in diameter, glossy dark brown to black.
Cultivation
Growing period annual, may be harvested 30-50 days from sowing or 15-20 days from transplanting.
If the plant is cut back and not uprooted it may continue to grow for 120-300 days, and provide
successive harvests. Vegetable amaranths grow well at day temperatures above 25°C and night
33
temperatures not lower than 15°C. Shade is disadvantageous except in cases of drought stress.
Amaranth is a quantitative short-day plant, which is an advantage in the subtropics where the
generative stage is retarded during summer. Amaranths like fertile, well-drained soils with a loose
structure. The mineral uptake is very high.
Propagation
The seed is larger than the seed of most other Amaranthus species with about 1000 seeds/g. In the
wild and in home gardens the seed of flowering plants scatters and gives rise to new plants
automatically. In the dark, the seed may remain dormant for several years. It germinates when it
comes at the surface or in the upper soil layer of less than 3 cm. For market production Amaranthus
is normally grown as a sole crop on beds. It is also found in intercropping systems with food crops
and in home gardens. The common practice in Uganda and in Western Kenya is to sow directly,
broadcast or in rows 15–20 cm apart, with a seed rate of 2–5 g/m2. The plants are uprooted after 4–5
weeks. Another cultivation method is sowing in a seedbed (nursery) 3–10 g/m2 and transplanting
after 2–3 weeks. From a nursery, the grower gets up to 1000 plantlets per m2 for transplanting. A
plant density of 100–200 plants/m2 can be used for a once-over harvest whereas 25 plants/m2 are
appropriate for repeated cuttings. In Kenya, Amaranthus is sown in a mixed cropping with other
indigenous vegetables like Corchorus olitorius L., in rows 30 cm apart; the seed is mixed with sand
for easier sowing.
Uses
The main use of Amaranthus oleraccus is as a cooked leaf vegetable. In most African countries it is
collected as a pot herb from the wild, and is very much liked for its soft taste. Leaves are sometimes
preserved by drying. Vegetable amaranths in general are recommended as a good food with
medicinal properties for young children, lactating mothers and for patients with fever, haemorrhage,
anaemia or kidney complaints. The leaves are used as a febrifuge and poultice to treat inflammations,
boils and abscesses. In Nigeria Amaranthus oleraccus is used as a medicine against lung disorders.
It is used as fodder but only as a rather moderate part of the daily portion.
Although perhaps best known as a weed, Amaranthus blitum is recognized as an easy-to-grow,
productive, tasty and nutritious vegetable. Research should focus on optimization of cultural
practices (integrated pest management to avoid pesticide residues, plant nutrition) and on breeding
for a better plant habit and a higher yield.
34
Local name: Muktajhuri
Scientific name: Acalypha indica L.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Introduction
Acalypha indica (English: Indian acalypha, Indian nettle, three-seeded mercury French: Ricinelle des
Indes, oreille de chatte, herbe chatteTamil: Poonamayakki,Kuppaimeni) is a species of plant having
catkin type of inflorescence. It occurs throughout tropical Africa and South Africa, in India and Sri
Lanka, as well as in Yemen and Pakistan. It has possibly been introduced elsewhere as a weed. In
West and East Africa the plant is used as a medicinal plant.It is a common herb growing up to 75 cm
tall with ovate leaves. Flowers are green, unisexual found in catkin inflorescence. In West Africa the
leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. It is also browsed by cattle. This plant is held in high
esteem in traditional Tamil Siddha medicine as it is believed to rejuvenate the body.
Acalypha indica occurs widely throughout the tropics of the Old World. In Africa it occurs in
Nigeria in West Africa and further widely throughout tropical Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. It
also occurs in India, South East Asia, and Oceania. It has been introduced to areas of the new world
with favorable climates.
Other names
Swetbasanta, Biralhatchi, Indian Acalypha, Copperleaf, Indian acalypha, Indian-nettle, three-seeded-

mercury, Brennkraut, indisches Kupferblatt, alcalifa, hierba de cancer, ricinela.
Habitat
Common, on wastelands, in moist and shaded places, riverbanks. Plains from the coast to 100m.
Tropical Africa eastward to Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Timor, Philippines. Dry deciduous forests and
also in the plains. Grasslands, wastelands, roadsides; below 100 m.
35
Distribution:
In fallow lands throughout the country.
Description
Annual herbs, 0.5-1 m tall, monoecious. Branchlets adpressed pubescent. Leaves often ± apically
clustered into flat rosette; stipules triangular, ca. 1 mm; petiole slender, 1.5-3.5 cm; leaf blade
rhombic-ovate or subovate, 2-3.5 × 1.5-2.5 cm, membranous, pilosulose along veins, base cuneate,
margin serrate, apex acute; basal veins 5. Inflorescences axillary, unbranched, 2-7 cm, pilosulose,
bisexual; peduncle short; female bracts proximal, 3-7, 1- or 2-flowered, ovate-cordate, ca. 5 mm,
margin crenulate, longitudinally many veined, pilose or subglabrous; distal male portion short,
slender; bracts ovate-triangular or broadly triangular, ca. 0.5 mm; allomorphic female flower at apex.
Male flowers 5-7 per bract; pedicel ca. 0.5 mm; sepals 4, ovate, ca. 0.4 mm; stamens 8. Female
flowers subsessile; sepals 3, triangular, ca. 0.5 mm, ciliate; ovary pilose; styles 3, 2.5-3 mm, 5-
laciniate. Capsule 3-locular, ca. 2 mm in diam., pilosulose. Seeds ovoid, ca. 1.5 mm, minutely
puncticulate. Fl. and fr. Mar-Oct.
Uses
1. The leaf paste is applied on the body as a cure for skin diseases. The leaf paste is given as a cure
for asthma and brochitis.
2. The juice extracted from the leaves, mixed with lime and applied on skin to cure diseases caused
by Ringworm.Fresh juice of leaves mixed with oil and salt is used for Rheumatoid arthritis and to
cure Scabies. Powdered leaves are used to cure bedsores and infected wounds. The active medicinal
compounds like Acalyphine and Triacetoneamine are extracted from this plant.They contain
cyanogenic glucoside and alkaloids.The paste of the leaves can be applied to burns.
3. Plants are emetic, expectorant, laxative and diuretic; useful in bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and
pulmonary tuberculosis. Leaves are laxative and antiparasiticide; ground with common salt or
quicklime or lime juice applied externally in scabies. Leaf paste with lime juice prescribed for
ringworm. Leaf juice is emetic for children.
A decoction of the leaves is given in earache. Powder of the dry leaves is given to children to expell
worms; also given in the form of decoction with little garlic. In homoepathy, the plant is used in
severe cough associated with bleeding from lungs, haemoptysis and incipient phthisis. Leaf extract
possesses antifungal activities.
36
Local name: Geji shak
Scientific name: Elephantopous scaber L.
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
Elephantopus scaber is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is found in Tropical
Africa, Eastern Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Its natural habitat is
subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Other names
Gojialata, Shamdalan, Gejiashak, Sangkhate, Sangkhala, Pru Suang (Marma), Hatichada (Chakma),
Marmai (Murong), Prickly Leaved Elephant’s Foot, Solomon’s seal, Tutup bumi, Tapak Sulaiman,
Talpak tana, Tapak limna.
Habitat
This plant can be found growing wildly on roadside, grassy fields and forest borders.This herb can be
propagated easily through seeds. The seeds are collected by enclosing the flowers with a piece of
paper. The seeds are minute and very light and therefore during sowing they are normally mixed
with loose dampen soil and then sprinkled on the nursery beds. Germination success is about 70-
80%.
Distribution
Distribution of this plant in our country Forest of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Dhaka, Tangail
and Cox’s Bazer.

E. scaber is an erect, stiff, perennial herb up to 80 cm tall with rigid stems lying flat, longhaired or
rough to touch. The leaves are mostly concentrated on the lower portion of the stem. The leaves are
in a radical rosette, if the stem is much smaller. The leaves are slightly serrated, covered with white
37
hairs, variable in shape and size, oblonged or rounded near the tip and narrower to the base. The
petiole is very short and hairy. The leaves are oblong-reverse egg-shaped to spoon-like with size 5-
38 cm x 1-6 cm. It has condensed head of almost sessile flower bracts are generally longer than the
ring of bracts. The flower petals are 7-9 mm long, bluish or purplish but sometimes white. The fruit
is about 4 mm long with various tufts of equal hairs on fruits bristles 4-6 mm long.
Uses
1. E. scaber is known as a traditional medicine. E. scaber contains elephantopin which is a

germacranolide sesquiterpene lactone containing two lactone rings and an epoxide functional group,
and it has shown to have an antitumour activity.
2. The plant is primarily used as a diuretic, febrifuge and to relieve anuria and blennorrhagia. Other
applications include employment as an antibiotic, antiswelling agent, anti-inflammatory bechic and
emollient. It is believe to be a good remedy for leucorrhea, anaemia and beneficial during parturition.
In Malaysia, tutup bumi is taken internally as a diuretic, febrifuge and applied externally as a
poultice for abdominal pains and other complaint. A decoction made from the leaves or roots is used
as a tonic for eliminating roundworms and treating coughs and venereal diseases. A decoction made
from the fresh roots and sireh is prescribed to arrest vomiting whilst the leaves are recommended for
treating dropsy.
3. The herb is diuretic, laxative, analgesic, alterative, ferbrifuge, cardiac and brain tonic; used in
griping, inflammations and bronchitis. Paste of the whole herb with Scoparia dulcis is made into
pills and given in the treatment of menorrhagia by the Marma. Root is used in fever and to arrest
vomiting. Leaves are used in piles. Bruised leaves boiled in coconut oil are applied to ulcers and
eczema. The flowers are aphrodisiac, tonic and expectorant; cures biliousness, liver troubles and
cough. Decoction of the roots and leaves are emollient; given in dysuria, diarrhoea and dysentery.
Root paste is applied in rheumatism, and with mustard oil given in amoebic dysentery.
38
Local name: Halim shak
Scientific name: Lepidium sativum L.
Introduction
Chandrasoor is commonly known as Lepidium sativum is belonging to family Brassicaceae.
Lepidium sativum is grown worldwide as a spicy salad herb. In English it is known as "Garden cress"
etc. In India, the southern area is especially involved in the commercial production of chandrasoor.
The main character of chandrasoor is that it can grow in any type of climate and soil condition. The
scientific investigations show that, Ethiopia is the origin of chandrasoor and it is distributed in
various are as from Ethiopia. About 150 species are found in the temperate and sub temperate areas.
Chandrasoor is an annual plant whose height is 50 cm. It belongs to the family of mustard. Cress
(Lepidium sativum), sometimes referred to as garden cress to distinguish it from similar plants also
referred to as cress, is a rather fast-growing, edible herb. Garden cress is genetically related to
watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. Its origin is not known, but
possibly from Ethiopia or Iran.
Other names
Halim, Aselio, Cress, Water cress, Halim-shak, Garden pepper cress, Pepperwort pepper grass, Poor
man's pepper, Cressan alenois, Passerage cutivee, Garden cress, Asaliya, Agretto, cressione, Allibija,
Kurthika, Aliv, Hidamba saga, Halon, Tezak, Kress-Salat, Chandrika, Raktabija, Lepido, Mastuerzo,
Ativerai, Adiyalu, Addi.

L. sativum is an erect, polymorphic, annual herb that can grow up to 30-70 cm tall. The taproot is
slender while the stems are usuallu much branched and smooth or with scattered minute hairs. The
leaves are arranged alternately, membranaceous, ovate-oblong in outline, measuring up to 12 cm x 9
cm, imparipinnati- or bipinnatipartite and with 2-4 pairs of lateral lobes. The lobes are linear, lance-
39
shaped or oblanceolate and measure up to 3 cm long where the uppermost leaves are sometimes
simple, serrate and hairless or sparsely pubescent. The petiole measures up to 4 cm long in basal
leaves. The stipules are absent. The inflorescence is a terminal or axillary raceme, measures 1-3 cm
long and accrescent to 25 cm long when fruiting. The flowers are bisexual, rather conspicuous and
whitish to violet. The pedicel is 3-6 mm long in fruit and ascending. There are 4 sepals which are
elliptical, measure 1-1.5 mm long, green and with membranaceous margin. There are 4 petals which
are spoon-shaped to slightly clawed, measure 1.5-3 mm long and with rounded apex. There are 6
stamens that are unequal in length and with 6 nectaries that alternate with filaments. The ovary is
superior, flattened dorso-ventrally, emarginated at the apex, with wing-like lateral margins, the style
measures up to 0.5 mm long, with a capitate stigma and fine pappilate. The fruit is an ovoid,
flattened silique, measuring 4.5-6.5 mm x 3-4 mm, pale green to yellowish, with prominent apical
wings, emarginated at the apex, dehiscing by 2 valves and leaves, the reptum with a thin and white
septum. The seed is sub-ovoid, flattened, measuring 2-3 mm x 1.5, wingless and reddish-brown.
Cultivation
L. sativum is mainly known from cultivation but escaped, ruderal types occur as well, especially in
the temperate regions and more rarely in the tropical regions. L. sativum prefers full sun or partial
shade. Cultivation of garden cress is practical on both mass scales and on the individual scale.
Garden cress is suitable for hydroponic cultivation and thrives in slightly alkaline water. In many
local markets, the demand for hydroponically grown cress can exceed available supply, partially
because cress leaves are not suitable for distribution in dried form, so can be only partially preserved.
Consumers commonly acquire cress as seeds or (in Europe) from markets as boxes of young live
shoots. Edible shoots are typically harvested in one to two weeks after planting, when they are 5–
13 cm (2 - 5 inches) tall.
Uses
1. Garden cress is added to soups, sandwiches and salads for its tangy flavor. It is also eaten as
sprouts, and the fresh or dried seed pods can be used as a peppery seasoning (haloon). In England,
cut cress shoots are commonly used in sandwiches with boiled eggs, mayonnaise and salt.
2. Garden cress, known as chandrashoor, and the seeds, known as halloon in India, are commonly
used in the system of Ayurveda to prevent postnatal complications.
3. Garden cress seeds, since ancient times, have been used in local traditional medicine of India.
Garden cress seeds are bitter, thermogenic, depurative, rubefacient, galactogogue, tonic, aphrodisiac,
40
ophthalmic, antiscorbutic, antihistaminic and diuretic. They are useful in the treatment of asthma,
coughs with expectoration, poultices for sprains, leprosy, skin disease, dysentery, diarrhoea,
splenomegaly, dyspepsia, lumbago, leucorrhoea, scurvy and seminal weakness. For cough,
expectorant, bleeding piles the plant was crushed and made infusion with the water and taken twice a
day. For asthma, whole herbs paste to be taken every 4 hours for cough and as expectorant. Seeds
have been shown to reduce the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function in asthmatics. The
seeds have been reported as possessing a hypoglycemic property and the seed mucilage is used as a
substitute for gum arabic and tragacanth.
4. Cress may be given to budgerigars. The seeds are employed as poultice for removing pain,
swelling etc. Some use it in the belief that it can cure asthma, bronchitis bleeding piles.
5. Some use Lepidium sativum seeds for indigestion and constipation.
Local name: Marmuri shak

Scientific name: Stellaria media L.
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Introduction
Stellaria media, chickweed, is a cool-season annual plant native to Europe, which is often eaten by
chickens. It is sometimes called common chickweed to distinguish it from other plants called
chickweed. The plant germinates in fall or late winter then forms large mats of foliage. Flowers are
small and white, followed quickly by the seed pods. This plant flowers and sets seed at the same time.
Other names
Chickenwort, Craches, Maruns, Winter weed, Chickweed, Craches, maruns, Winterweed.
Habitats
Growing almost anywhere, it is a common garden weed.

41
Stellaria media is a annual growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in
leaf 12 Jan It is in flower from Jan to December, and the seeds ripen from Jan to December. The
flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies,
self.The plant is self fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Plants in the genus Cerastium are very
similar in appearance to Stellaria and are in the same family (Carophyllaceae). Stellaria media can
be easily distinguished from all other members of this family by examining the stems. Stellaria has
fine hairs on only one side of the stem in a single band. Other members of the family Carophyllaceae
which resemble Stellaria have hairs uniformly covering the entire stem.
Distribution
Stellaria media is widespread in North America and Europe. There are several closely related plants
referred to as chickweed, but which lack the culinary properties of plants in the genus Stellaria.
Cultivation
A very easily grown plant, it prefers a moist soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. It can be
very lush and vigorous when grown in a fertile soil, but in infertile soils it will flower and set seed
whilst still very small. A very common garden weed, chickweed grows, flowers and sets see d all
year round. The flowers open around 9 o'clock in the morning and remain open for about 12 hours.
They do not open in dull weather. The leaves fold up of a night time, enfolding and protecting the
tender buds of new shoots. A food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly species.
Propagation
Seed - this species should not need any encouragement, you are much more likely to be trying to get
rid of it than trying to introduce it (eating it is one way of doing that!)
Uses
1. Stellaria media is delicious, edible and nutritious, and is used as a leaf vegetable, often raw in
salads. It is one of the ingredients of the symbolic dish consumed in the Japanese spring-time
festival, Nanakusa-no-sekku.
2. S. media contains plant chemicals known as saponins, which can be toxic when consumed in large
quantities. Chickweed has been known to cause saponin poisoning in cattle. However, as the animal
must consume several kilos of chickweed in order to reach a toxic level, such deaths are rare.
3. The plant has medicinal purposes and is used in folk medicine. It has been used as a remedy to
treat itchy skin conditions and pulmonary diseases. 17th century herbalist John Gerard recommended
it as a remedy for mange. Modern herbalists mainly prescribe it for skin diseases, and also for
42
bronchitis, rheumatic pains, arthritis and period pain. A poultice of chickweed can be applied to cuts,
burns and bruises. Not all of these uses are supported by scientific evidence.
4. The expressed juice of the plant has been used as an eyewash.
Local name: Derosh

Scientific name: Abelmoschus esculentus L.
Family: Malvaceae
Introduction
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench), known in many English-speaking countries as ladies'
fingers, bhindi, bamia, or gumbo, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It is valued for its edible
green seed pods. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of South Asian,
Ethiopian and West African origins. The plant is cultivated in tropical, subtropical and warm
temperate regions around the world
Other names
Dheros; Vendi (Chittagong), Lai Long Ma (Murong), Lady's finger, Okra, Gumbo.
Habitat
Cultivated in the garden.
A. esculentus (L.) Moench is a tall shrubby annual, covered with rough hairs. Leaves polymorphous;
the lower roundish-angled, the upper palmately 3-5-lobed, lobes oblong toothed, hairy on both
surfaces; petioles up to 15 cm long. Flowers large, axillary, yellow with crimson centre. Capsule 15-
20 cm long, pyramidal-oblong, 5-angled, hispid.
Cultivation
43
In cultivation, the seeds are soaked overnight prior to planting to a depth of 1–2 cm. Germination
occurs between six days (soaked seeds) and three weeks. Seedlings require ample water. The seed
pods rapidly become fibrous and woody, and, to be edible, must be harvested within a week of the
fruit having been pollinated. The fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout the country as vegetable. Abelmoschus esculentus is cultivated throughout the
tropical and warm temperate regions of the world for its fibrous fruits or pods containing round,
white seeds. It is among the most heat- and drought-tolerant vegetable species in the world and will
tolerate soils with heavy clay and intermittent moisture but frost can damage the pods.
Uses
1. Okra leaves may be cooked in a similar way to the greens of beets or dandelions. Since the entire
plant is edible, the leaves are also eaten raw in salads. Okra seeds may be roasted and ground to form
a caffeine-free substitute for coffee.
2. Okra is a popular health food due to its high fiber, vitamin C, and folate content. Okra is also
known for being high in antioxidants. Okra is also a good source of calcium and potassium.
3. Also, some studies are being developed targeting okra extract as remedy to manage diabetes for
the above reasons.
4. In complementary medicine it is believed that that the gut and intestines are the main/dominant
organs of the body and that all foods which facilitate the digestive process and binary systems are
beneficial to the body as a whole, for this reason, providing a natural lining to the intestinal mucosa,
prevents leakages from ails such as ulcerations, bacterial imbalances and general dyspepsia. thus the
use of such fibrous, mucilaginous nutrients are likely to have excellent results in lowering
inflammation, increasing active transportation of nutritional conversion (take up) and reduce fluid
retention and subsequent secondary complications associated with the latter and hence: Unspecified
parts of the plant were reported in 1898 to possess diuretic properties (Natural medicine should not
be substituted for conventional medicine, or used exclusively, since there may be complications in a
persons health which need investigating); this is referenced in numerous sources associated with
herbal and traditional medicine.
44
Local name: Vatshola
Scientific name: Aeschynomene indica L.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Aeschynomene indica is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. Common names include
Indian jointvetch, kat sola, budda pea, curly indigo, hard sola, northern jointvetch, indische
Schampflanze (German), angiquinho, maricazinho, papquinha, pinheirinho (Brazilian Portuguese),
he meng (Chinese), kusanemu (Japanese), and ikin sihk (Pohnpeian).
The true native range of this species is unclear because it is thought to have been introduced so
widely, but it probably includes parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, and the southeastern United States.
It is likely a naturalized species on many islands of the Pacific, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean,
including Fiji, the Society Islands, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Mauritius, and Réunion. It is also
introduced in South America.
Other names
Budda pea (Australia), Kusa-nemu (Japanese common name), curly-indigo (English common name),
hard sola, Indian jointvetch, northern joint-vetch
Habitat
The plant often grows in wet, muddy habitat, such as floodplains, swamps, and paddy fields. It is
also known from dry land. It has been observed in association with Sesbania spp. and Acacia nilotica
ssp. tomentosa. It grows in disturbed habitat, such as roadside ditches, often becoming weedy.
This species is variable. It is an annual or perennial herb or subshrub growing 30 centimeters to 2.5
meters tall. The stem is usually thin, about half a centimeter wide, but it can grow thick at the base,
45
up to 2.5 centimeters wide. It is spongy or corky, or sometimes hollow and cylindric. It is mostly
hairless but sometimes has glandular hairs with tubercular bases. The leaves are up to 10 centimeters
long. Each leaf is made up of many narrow, papery leaflets each up to 1.3 centimeters long. Some
leaves are sensitive. The spurred stipule is up to 1.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is made up
of 1 to 6 flowers with reddish- or purple-streaked yellow or whitish corollas. The long, narrow
legume pod is up to 4.8 centimeters long and is straight or curved, with up to 13 chambers. It
contains black or brown kidney-shaped seeds each 2 or 3 millimeters long. Chromosome number is
2n=40.
Uses
1. This plant is used as green manure. It is not very palatable to animals but it is sometimes given as
fodder. It can be toxic, however. The seeds can poison pigs, causing loss of coordination, falls, and
death. Examination of the brain tissue of affected animals revealed swelling and hemorrhage. The
toxic compounds in the seeds are rotenoids related to the poison rotenone.
2. The pithy stems are used for floating devices, such as rafts and floats for fishing nets. The plant is
also used as a spermicide. Its charcoal is made into gunpowder.
3. The plant, like others of its genus, sometimes develops nodes similar to the root nodules of many
other legumes, but the nodes grow on the stem in addition to the roots. They contain Bradyrhizobium
species, nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can perform photosynthesis. The symbiotic bacterium
Blastobacter denitroficans also inhabits the nodes
Local name: Piajpata

Scientific name: Allium cepa L.
Family: Liliaceae
Introduction
The onion (Allium cepa) (Latin 'cepa' = onion), also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is
used as a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. This genus also
46
contains several other species variously referred to as onions and cultivated for food, such as the
Japanese bunching onion (A. fistulosum), the Egyptian onion (A. ×proliferum), and the Canada onion
(A. canadense). The name "wild onion" is applied to a number of Allium species but A. cepa is
exclusively known from cultivation and its wild original form is not known. The onion is most
frequently a biennial or a perennial plant, but is usually treated as an annual and harvested in its first
growing season. The onion plant has a fan of hollow, bluish-green leaves and the bulb at the base of
the plant begins to swell when a certain day-length is reached. In the autumn the foliage dies down
and the outer layers of the bulb become dry and brittle. The crop is harvested and dried and the
onions are ready for use or storage.
Onions are cultivated and used around the world. As a foodstuff they are usually served cooked, as a
Cultivated in most of the districts of Bangladesh.
vegetable or part of a prepared savoury dish, but can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or
chutneys. They are pungent when chopped and contain certain chemical substances which irritate the
eyes. Onions contain phenolics and flavonoids that have potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol,
anticancer and antioxidant properties.
Other names
Onion.
Habitat
Cultivated in beds.
A bulbous herb. Leaves linear, cylindrical hollow in 2 rows. Flowers small, in globular many
flowered umbel at the end of a hollow, inflated scape, taller than leaves.
Distribution
Cultivated in most of the districts of Bangladesh.
Cultivation
Onions are best cultivated in fertile soils that are well-drained. Sandy loams are good as they are low
in sulphur, while clayey soils usually have a high sulphur content and produce pungent bulbs. Onions
require a high level of nutrients in the soil. Phosphorus is often present in sufficient quantities but
may be applied before planting because of its low level of availability in cold soils. Nitrogen and
potash can be applied at intervals during the growing season, the last application of nitrogen being at
47
least four weeks before harvesting. Bulbing onions are day-length sensitive; their bulbs begin
growing only after the number of daylight hours has surpassed some minimal quantity.
Uses
1. Allium vegetables have been employed for a long time in traditional medical practice to treat a
variety of diseases. Onion (Allium cepa L.), one of the representative Allium vegetables, has been
used for centuries for its pungency, flavoring value, and medicinal properties. The bulb of onion is
used medicinally and has been consumed as seasoning food for many centuries.
2. Onions are often chopped and used as an ingredient in various hearty warm dishes, and may also
be used as a main ingredient in their own right, for example in French onion soup or onion chutney.
They are very versatile and can be baked, boiled, braised, grilled, fried, roasted, sautéed or eaten raw
in salads. Their layered nature makes them easy to hollow out once cooked, facilitating stuffing them.
Onions are a staple in Indian cuisine, often used as a thickening agent for curries and gravies. Onions
pickled in vinegar are eaten as a snack. These are often served as a side serving in pubs and fish and
chip shops throughout the United Kingdom and Australia, often served with cheese and/or ale in the
United Kingdom. In North America, sliced onions are battered and deep fried and served as onion
rings.
Local name: Roshun pata

Scientific name: Allium saivum L.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Introduction
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives
include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. With a history of human use of over 7,000 years,
garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a
frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been
used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
48
Other names
Garlic, Ail, Alho, Kitunguu saumu, somu, thumu.
Habitat
Cultevated beds and roadsides.

Erect herb, usually grown as an annual from small bulbs (cloves), up to 150 cm tall; real stem very
short, formed at the base of the plant in the form of a disk, with adventitious roots at base; bulb
solitary, depressed globose to ovoid, up to 7 cm in diameter, whitish to purplish, composed of (1–)7–
15(–40) sessile cloves, these ovoid to ellipsoid-oblong and borne in the axil of the 2, 3 or 4–5 last
leaves, each clove consisting of a protective sheath, a single thickened storage leaf sheath and a small
central bud; pseudostem formed by sheathing bases of successive leaves. Leaves 4–10, distichously
alternate, glabrous, with tubular sheath; blade linear-oblong, up to 50 cm × 2.5 cm, nearly flat or V-
shaped in cross-section, acute at apex, smooth or crenulate at margins. Inflorescence a spherical
umbel up to 2.5 cm in diameter, on a solid scape up to 150 cm long, initially curved as a crook, then
coiled and eventually straight; umbel composed of flowers and bulbils or only bulbils, initially
surrounded by a membranous spathe splitting on one side. Flowers usually poorly developed or
absent; pedicel slender, up to 1.5 cm long; tepals 6, in 2 whorls, free, lanceolate, up to 3 mm long,
greenish white or pale pink; stamens 6, usually rudimentary; ovary superior, 3-celled, style shorter
than tepals. Fruit abortive, seedless.
Cultivation
Garlic is usually propagated by cloves, very rarely by bulbils from the inflorescence. In most areas in
Africa at latitudes of 10–25° garlic is planted at the end of the rainy season. The soil should be
deeply tilled before planting. Since bulbs do not grow very large in the tropics, especially in the
lowlands, plant density should be fairly high: 40–60 plants/m2, or 800–1200 kg/ha planting material
of cloves weighing 2 g. The cloves are planted upright at a depth of 5–7 cm. It is good practice to
mulch the soil lightly with rice straw immediately after planting.
Uses
After onion, garlic is the second most widely used cultivated Allium. The bulb, composed of so-
called cloves, is mainly used for flavouring meat, fish, sauces and salads, raw or cooked, or more
recently in dehydrated form. Apart from bulbs, the young floral stems are also used in Spain, China
and Indonesia, and whole young green plants are used too. Garlic is much valued as a phyto-
49
therapeutic crop. Garlic users, including many African people, extol its taste and health qualities.
Crushed raw garlic is strongly antibiotic, and it has a reputation for lowering blood pressure and
cholesterol, and inhibiting thrombus formation. Leaves and bulbs are considered to have
hypotensive, carminative, antiseptic, anthelmintic, diaphoretic and expectorant properties. Several
attributed prophylactic qualities are questionable, but have resulted in a rich supply of and demand
for medicinal pills, drinks and powders based on garlic extracts.
Local name: Kalo sorisha

Scientific name: Brassica nigra
Introduction
Brassica nigra (black mustard) is an annual weedy plant cultivated for its seeds, which are
commonly used as a spice. Mustard family plants bear a great resemblance to each other and they
often also mutate. Black mustard is believed to be native to the eastern Mediterranean or the
surrounding area, but nowadays it grows virtually all over Europe. It grows casually in Finnish
harbours and other loading areas, but finding the plant takes a little bit of effort and luck. It has been
cultivated for millennia as a spice. Initially leaves that had been pickled in vinegar were used
culinarily: it wasn’t until the 13th century that plant seeds were pounded and blended into mustard.
Mustard owes its aroma to mustard oil, which is secreted into the plant’s specialized storage cells,
idioplasts. Black mustard is one of the mustard industry’s main ingredients and is used to make very
strong mustard. Judging by the amount that is produced, mustard is the world’s most important spice.
Other names
Kali Mohari
Habitat
Rubbish tips, harbours, loading areas, mustard processing plants, wasteland, sometimes gardens.
50
Growing form: Annual herb. Height: 40–80 cm (16–32 in.). Stem base–halfway branched, quite erect
branched, bluish, lower part hairy, upper part glabrous. Flower: Corolla regular (actinomorphic),
yellow, approx. 1 cm (0.4 in.) across; petals 4, dark-veined, 7–9 mm (0.28–0.36 in.), long. Sepals 4.
Stamens 6, of which 4 long and 2 short. Gynoecium fused, a single carpel. Inflorescence an
elongating raceme in fruiting stage. Leaves: Alternate, stalked. Basal leaves’ blade pinnately lobed,
terminal lobe large, elliptic. Stem leaves’ blade elliptic–lanceolate, with toothed–entire margin,
glabrous, bluish green. Fruit: Many-seeded, opens lengthwise, 4-edged, 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in.) long,
parallel to stem-pod, terminated by a 2–3 mm (0.08–0.12 in.) long, seedless beak. Pod-stalk 2–5 mm
(0.08–0.2 in.). Flowering time: June–September.
Uses
1. Cultivated as a vegetable, the shoots and leaves are consumed cooked and the seeds used as a
spice.
2. The seeds have a significant amount of fatty oil. This oil is used often as cooking oil.
Local name: Shalgom pata

Scientific name: Brassica rapa L.
Introduction
Brassica rapa L. is a plant consisting of various widely cultivated subspecies including the turnip (a
root vegetable); the mizuna, napa cabbage, and cime di rapa (leaf vegetables); and turnip rape
(Brassica rapa subsp. oleifera, an oilseed which has many common names, including [annual] turnip
rape, canola, field mustard, bird rape, keblock, and colza). The oilseed is sometimes confused with
rapeseed oil, which however comes from a different Brassica species.
In the 18 th century the turnip and the oilseed-producing variants were seen as being different species
by Carolus Linnaeus who named them B. rapa and B. campestris. 20th-century taxonomists found
51
that the plants were cross fertile and thus belonged to the same species. Since the turnip had been
named first by Linnaeus, the name Brassica rapa was adopted.
The oilseeds known as canola are sometimes particular varieties of Brassica rapa (termed Polish
Canola) but mostly related species Brassica napus and Brassica juncea. Many butterflies, including
small white pollinate the B. rapa flowers.
Other names
Neep crops (En), Chinese cabbage, petsai, pe-tsai (En), chou chinois, Couve petsai (Po). Pakchoi,
pak-choi, celery cabbage, bok choi (En). Pakchoï, pakchoy, chou de Shanghaï, chou chinois (Fr).
Couve chinesa, couve da China (Po), Caisin, caisim, cai xin, choisum, choi-sum (En). Choy sum,
brocoli chinois (Fr), Turnip (En). Navet, rave (Fr). Nabo (Po).
Habitat
Rubbish tips, harbours, loading areas, mustard processing plants, wasteland, sometimes gardens.
Erect, annual to biennial herb up to 1.5 m tall, with stout taproot, sometimes partly swollen (turnip);
stem branched. Leaves arranged spirally but in a rosette during the vegetative stage; stipules absent;
lower leaves more or less petiolate, pinnately parted with 1–5 pairs of small lateral lobes and large
terminal lobe up to 90 cm × 35 cm, crenate, toothed, sinuate or entire, usually hairy; stem leaves
pinnately parted to simple, clasping at base, glabrous, glaucous. Inflorescence a terminal umbel-like
raceme up to 60 cm long, with open flowers overtopping the buds, elongating in fruit. Flowers
bisexual, regular, 4-merous; pedicel up to 3 cm long, ascending; sepals 5–8 mm long, spreading,
yellow-green; petals obovate, 0.5–1 cm long, clawed, bright yellow; stamens 6; ovary superior,
cylindrical, 2-celled, stigma globose. Fruit a linear silique 4–10 cm × 2–4 mm, with a tapering beak
0.5–3 cm long, dehiscent, up to 30-seeded. Seeds globose, 1–1.5 mm in diameter, finely reticulate,
dark brown. Seedling with epigeal germination, with a taproot and lateral roots; hypocotyl c. 5 cm
long, epicotyl 2–4 mm long; cotyledons with petiole c. 2 cm long, blade cordate, 1–1.5 cm long,
cuneate at base, notched at apex.
Distribution
Known only as a cultigen, sometimes escaped. Throughout temperate regions. Cultivated in most
European countries, but naturalized in most.
52
Cultivation
Fall plowing and preparation of a good firm seedbed is desirable as rape seeds are small.
Cultipacking before seeding make a firm even seedbed. Germination must be fast with uniform
emergence for the crop to get ahead of the weeds. Seed of Polish and Argentine types germinate
readily when moisture and temperature conditions are suitable. Seed rate and spacing of rows varies
in different areas. Sow seed with a grain drill, in rows 30–40 cm apart. Because seed are so small, it
is recommended to mix 50–50 with cracked grain, so as to spread out the rape seed; for a 10 kg/ha
rate, calibrate the drill for 20 kg/ha of mixture. If fertilizer is used mixed with the seed when sowing,
sow about 30 kg/ha of mixture and mix at the time of sowing. Seed may be sown with a grass-seed
attachment, or broadcast and then harrowed or disced lightly. Depth of sowing should be 2.5 cm or
less, but seedlings will emerge from 5 cm or more if soil does not crust on top. Seedlings develop
slowly and are easily destroyed by drifting soil. Spreading manure where drifting might start helps
trap drifting soil. Early sowings give higher yields, but crop is more susceptible when emerging, -
4°C either killing or injuring seedlings, whereas -2°C has no affect when one month old. Sowing in
late April or early May is best in northern areas; sowing as late as June or early July give rather good
results. Rape may be planted after grains, flax, corn, potatoes, sugar beets or fallow, but not after
rape, mustards or sunflowers.
Uses
1. Grown sparingly for young leaves used as potherb; more generally grown as forage for livestock
feed, and as source of rapeseed oil. Rape oil used in food industry, as an illuminant and lubricant,
and for soap manufacture. Residual rapeseed cake, though low in food value, used as livestock feed.
Rapeseed oil has potential market in detergent lubrication oils, emulsifying agents, polyamide fibers,
and resins, and as a vegetable wax substitute. According to the Chemical Marketing Reporter "the
most common use for the oil is still in the production or erucic acid, a fatty acid used in turn in the
manufacture of other chemicals. Sprouts are used dietetically and as seasoning.
2. The seed, powdered, with salt is said to be a folk remedy for cancer. Rape oil is used in massage
and oil baths, believed to strengthen the skin and keep it cool and healthy. With camphor it is applied
for rheumatism and stiff joints. Medicinally, root used in chronic coughs and bronchial catarrh.
53
Local name: Helencha
Scientific name: Enhydra fluctuans
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
Enhydra fluctuans is a plant under the family Asteraceae. It ia very common plant in our country. In
Bengal it is commonly known as Hingha and grows plenty in ponds and lakes.
Other names
Helencha, Hinchashak, Harhach, Water Cress, Marsh Herb.
Habitat
Sometime aquatic and sometime terrestrial.

This plant is a prostate, spreading, annual herb. A trailing marsh herb also floating on water. The
stems are somewhat fleashy, 30 centemeters or more in length, branched, rooting at the lower nodes
and somewhat hairy. The leaves are stalkless, linear-oblong, 3-5 centimeters in length, pointed or
blunt at the tip, usually truncate at the base and somewhat toothed at the margins. The flowering
heads are without stalks, are borne singly in the axis of the leaves, and excluding the bracts, are less
than 1 centimeter in diameter. The outer pair of the involucral bracts is ovate and 1 to 1.2 centimeter
long; the inner pair is somewhat smaller. The flowers are white or greenish white
Habitat
Throughout Bangladesh in ponds, swamps and streams. Grows in swampy ground in Tropical
climate. Native to India, Bangladesh, Burma, Sreelanka and several places in South East Asia.
Uses
1. According to Burkill the young parts are used as a salad in several countries, including Malaya.
Sometimes they are steamed before they are eaten. Guerreo reports that in the Phillippines the leaves
are pressed and applied to the skin as a cure for certain herpetic eruptions. In Bengal it is washed
chopped and cooked as sag fry of boiled with rice and eaten with boiled rice with boiled potato, salt
54
and mastered oil. Young parts and the leaves of the plant are somewhat bitter and are used by the
Malays as a laxative. Leaves are useful in diseases of the skin and of the nervous system. The fresh
juice of the leaves is prescribed in Calcutta as an adjacent to tonic metallic medicines and is given in
neuralgia and other nervous diseases. The leaves are antibilious. The expressed juice of the leaves is
used as a demulcent in cases of gonorrhea; it is taken mixed with the milk of either a cow or a goat.
As a cooling agent, the leaves are pounded and made into a paste which is applied cold to the head.
The plant is useful in torpidity of the liver.
2. Laxatives etc.; paralysis, epilepsy, convulsions, spasm; skin mucosae. They are said to be
alaxative, antibilious and demulcent. They are used in India in skin and nervous affection and in the
Phillipines are applied to certain herpetic eruptions.
Local name: Kochu

Scientific name: Colocasia esculenta
Family: Araceae
Introduction
Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corms, the root
vegetables whose many names include Taro and Eddoe. It is believed to be one of the earliest
cultivated plants.
This native of India and southeastern Asia was brought from Africa to the Americas as a food crop
for slaves. By 1910, it was introduced into Florida and other southeastern states by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture as a possible substitute crop for potatoes. Wild taro has escaped
cultivation and forms .dense stands that displace native shoreline vegetation in Florida’s streams,
rivers, marshy lakeshores, canals and ditches. Often shoreline wild taro stands break loose and form
floating islands that block navigational access and increase flooding potential in canals. Wild taro
may be confused with other plants in Florida that have large arrowhead-shaped leaf blades, such as
the nonnative elephant ear (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) and the native arums (Peltandra spp.). Only
taro has leaf stalks attached to the back of the leaf blade.
55
Habitat
Distribution
All over in Bangladesh. Now found escaped throughout the tropics and much of the subtropics,
including Florida. Wild taro has spread to various shorelines throughout Florida and is considered an
agricultural weed in Puerto Rico and Jamaica.
The Taro plant is a perennial herb with clusters of long heart- or arrowhead-shaped leaves that point
earthward. The specific epithet, esculenta, means "edible" in Latin. Rhizomes of different shapes and
sizes. Leaves up to 40×24.8 cm, sprouts from rhizome, dark green above and light green beneath,
triangular-ovate, sub-rounded and mucronate at apex, tip of the basal lobes rounded or sub-rounded.
Petiole 0.8 -1.2 m high. Spathe up to 25 cm long. Spadix about 3/5 as long as the spathe, flowering
parts up to 8 mm in diameter. Female portion at the fertile ovaries intermixed with sterile white ones.
Neuters above the females, rhomboid or irregular oblong. Male portion above the neuter.
Synandrium lobed, cells 6 or 8. Appendage shorter than the male portion.
Propagation
It is dispersed primarily by purposeful or accidental movement of vegetative fragments.
Uses
1. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. Taro's primary use is the consumption of its edible
corm and leaves. In its raw form, the plant is toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate and the
presence of needle-shaped raphides in the plant cells. However, the toxin can be minimized and the
tuber rendered palatable by cooking, or by steeping in cold water overnight.
56
Local name: Chalkumra
Scientific name: Benincasa hispida
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Introduction
The winter melon, also called white gourd, winter gourd, or ash gourd, is a vine grown for its very
large fruit, eaten as a vegetable when mature. It is the only member of the genus Benincasa. The fruit
is fuzzy when young. The immature melon has thick white flesh that is sweet when eaten. By
maturity, the fruit loses its hairs and develops a waxy coating, giving rise to the name wax gourd,
and providing a long shelf life. The melon may grow as large as 80 cm in length. Although the fruit
is referred to as a "melon," the fully grown crop is not sweet. Originally cultivated in Southeast Asia,
the winter melon is now widely grown in East Asia and South Asia as well.
Winter melon is also a common name for members of the Inodorus cultivar group of
the muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.), more commonly known ascasaba or honeydew melons.
Other names
Sada kumra, Chuna kumra, Jali kumra, Gimikumra, Kumra, Bhuikumra, White gourd, Wax gourd,
Ash gourd, Chinese preserving melon, Wood gourd, White Groud melon.
A large, softy hairy climber; tendrils long, 3-branched; leaves cornate, reniform, orbicular, 7-8 lobed,
petiole length 12.5 cm., without glands. Lamina length 15.8 cm., breadth 14.5 cm. each portion
lamina approximately equal from the midrib. Flowers large, yellow, monoecious, all solitary, bracts
0. sepals 5, free, connate in decampanulate tube, leaf like and serrate obove. Petals 5, obovate,
slightly connate. Stamens 3, anthers exserted, 2 large, 1 small, carpel 3, length of internode 11.2cm.,
fruit large, covered with waxy substances, length 30 cm., breadth 36 cm.
Distribution
All over in Bangladesh, India, Malayasia, China, Japan, Tropical Africa.
57
Cultivation
Its pick priod is May-October and off season is November- April. It is cultivated in the following
ways. (i) on platform (macha), (ii) on the tree, (iii) on ground and (iv)on roof.
Uses
The young and immature fruits are cooked as a vegetable. The fruit is largely used for making
confectionary. The ripe fruits are cut into pices and candied with suger. Fruits are edible. Sweets are
prepared from the pulp of the fruit. Fruits is tonic, nutritive, diuretic, antiperiosic; specific for
haemorrhages from internal organs. It is also useful in case of in sanity, epilepsy and other nervo-
diseases. Seeds are vermifuge against tapeworm and lumbrici and diuretic. It is also beneficial in
case of constipation, heart disease, tuberculosis, colic pain and as aphrodisiac.
Local name: Mistikumra shak

Scientific name: Cucurbita maxima
Introduction
Cucurbita maxima, one of at least five species of cultivated squash, is one of the most diverse
domesticated species, perhaps with more cultivated forms than any other crop. This species
originated in South America from the wild C. maxima ssp. andreana over 4000 years ago.
Other names
Bilati, Mistikodu, Mistilau, Melon pumpkin, Winter squash, Red gourd, Squash gourd.

Kalabasa is a coarse, prostrate or climbing, annual, herbaceous vine, reaching a length of 4 meters or
more. Leaves are hispid, rounded, 15 to 30 centimeters in diameter, heart-shaped at the base,
shallowly 5-lobed, with finely toothed margins, and often mottled on the upper surface. Flowers are
bell-shaped, erect, yellow and about 12 centimeters long, the corolla limb is about as wide, and 5-
58
toothed. Fruit is large, variable in shape, fleshy, with a yellow pulp. Seeds are ovoid or oblong,
compressed, and about 1.3 centimeters long.
Distribution
All over in Bangladesh, India, Malayasia, China, Japan, Tropical Africa. Widely cultivated
throughout the Philippines as a vegetable produce. Occasionally found as an escape. Planted in all
warm countries.
Cultivation
Its pick priod is throughout the year. It is cultivated in the following ways. (i) on platform (macha),
(ii) on the tree, (iii) on ground and (iv) on roof.
Uses
Matured fruits are used as a table vegetable for baking in pies and for making jam; also as a live
stock feed. The flesh is usually fine-grained and mild-flavoured and is thus suitable for baking. The
plant produces the largest known cucurbitaceous fruits. The seeds are used medicinally; oil is said to
be a nervine tonic. There are several varietiec of this plant grown commonly in gardens as a rainy
season vegetable. The young fruit resembles the vegetable marrow in flavour but the full grown fruit
ia much liked. The fruit is diuretic, tonic, allays thirst. The seeds are anthelmintic and used as
diuretic and tonic. The fruit pulp is often used as a poultice to burn, inflammations and boils. C.
maxima is used in treating parasites in animals.
Local name: Laushak

Scientific name: Lageneria siceraria
Introduction
The calabash, Lagenaria siceraria (synonym Lagenaria vulgaris Ser.), also known as opo
squash, bottle gourd or long melon is a vine grown for its fruit, which can either be harvested young
and used as a vegetable, or harvested mature, dried, and used as a bottle, utensil, or pipe. The fresh
59
fruit has a light green smooth skin and a white flesh. Rounder varieties are called calabash gourds.
They come in a variety of shapes, they can be huge and rounded, or small and bottle shaped, or slim
and serpentine, more than a metre long.
The calabash was one of the first cultivated plants in the world, grown not primarily for food, but for
use as a water container. The bottle gourd may have been carried from Africa to Asia, Europe and
the Americas in the course of human migration, or by seeds floating across the oceans inside the
gourd. It has been proven to be in New World prior to the arrival of Columbus. It shares its common
name with that of the calabash tree (Crescentia cujete).
Other names
Panilau, Kodulau, tikalau, Bottle gourd, White flowered gourd, Calabash gourd, ghia, Lauki.
Cultivation
Its pick priod is throughout the year. It is cultivated in the following ways. (i) on platform (macha),
(ii) on the tree, (iii) on ground and (iv) on roof.

Pubescent, tendrils. 2-fid. Leaves ovate or orbicular, cordate, dented; petiole long, with two glands at
it apex. Flowers large, white, solitary, monoceous or dioceous, the males long, the females short-
petals 5, free, obovate; stamens 3, anthers connate, included, 1-celled, 2-celled cells conduplicate;
rudiment of ovary 0. Female: calyx and corolla as in the male; ovary oblong, style short with 3 bifid
stigmatic lobes; ovules many, horizontal, placentas 3, vertical. Fruit large, ultimately thick
membranous or almost woody, indehiscent, polymorphous, usually broader upwards. Seeds very
many, horizontal, compressed, with a marginal grove, smooth.
Distribution
All over in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Mayanmar, Malayasia, China, Japan, Africa,
cultivated in the tropics and warm temperate zone of the world.
Uses
The leaves are used as vegetables and fruits in the green stage are used as vegetables and also
preparation of some sweets. Young and tender fruits are used as vegetable. The hard fruit shells are
used as bottles, bowels, ladles, pipes, blowing horns, snuff boxes. The shells are also used for
musical instruments like Sitar and Bina. White pulp of fruit is cooling, emetic, puggative, diuretic
and antibilious. Oil form the seeds is cooling and used to relieve headhache. Seeds are nutritive and
60
diuretic. Decotation of leaves mixed with sugar given in jaundice. Warm of tender stem relives
earache. Fruit is used in cholera.
Local name: Shojne

Scientific name: Moringa olifera
Family: Moringaceae
Introduction
Moringa oleifera (synonym: Moringa pterygosperma) is the most widely cultivated species of the
genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. English common names
include: moringa, drumstick tree (from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed-
pods),horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), ben
oil tree or benzoil tree (from the oil which is derived from the seeds); a good overview of names of
moringa in different regions, languages and dialects can be found on treesforlife.org. It is a fast-
growing, drought-resistant tree, native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern
India, and widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
In developing countries, moringa has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster
rural development, and support sustainable landcare. It may be used as forage for livestock, a
micronutrient liquid, a natural anthelmintic and possible adjuvant.
Moringa oleifera is a fast growing, evergreen, deciduous tree. It can reach a height of 10–12 m and
the trunk can reach a diameter of 45 cm. The bark has a whitish-grey colour and is surrounded by
thick cork. Young shoots have purplish or greenish-white hairy bark. The tree has an open crown of
drooping, fragile branches and the leaves build up a feathery foliage of tripinnateleaves. The flowers
are fragrant and bisexual, surrounded by five unequal thinly veined yellowish-white petals. The
flowers are approximately 1-1.5 cm long and 2 cm broad. They grow on slender hairy stalks in
spreading or drooping later flower clusters which have a longitude of 10–25 cm. Flowering begins
within the first six months after planting. In seasonally cool regions, flowering will only occur once a
61
year between April and June. In more constant seasonal temperature and with constant rainfall,
flowering can happen twice or even all year-round. The fruit is a hanging, three-sided brown capsule
of 20–45 cm size which holds dark brown, globular seeds with a diameter of approximately 1 cm.
The seeds have three whitish papery wings and are dispersed by wind and water. In cultivation, it is
often cut back annually to 1–2 meters and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within
arm's reach.
Cultivation
The moringa tree is grown mainly in semiarid, tropical, and subtropical areas, corresponding in the
United States to USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. It grows best in dry sandy soil and tolerates poor
soil, including coastal areas. As with all plants, optimum cultivation depends on producing the right
environment for the plant to thrive. Moringa is a sun and heat-loving plant, and thus does not
tolerate freeze or frost. Moringa is particularly suitable for dry regions, as it can be grown using
rainwater without expensive irrigation techniques.
Propagation
Moringa can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Direct seeding is possible because the germination
rate of Moringa oleifera is high. After 12 days the germination rate is about 85%. Production
in seedbeds or containers is very time consuming. In these technics the plants can be better protected
from insects and other pests. They are also used in areas where soil erosion is a problem.
Cuttings of 1 meter length and a diameter of at least 4 cm can be also used for propagation. At least
one third of the cutting must be buried in the soil. In the Philippines, moringa is propagated by
planting 1–2 m-long limbs cuttings, preferably from June to August. It can also be propagated by
seeds, which are planted an inch below the surface and can be germinated year-round in well-
draining soil.
Uses
1. Moringa has been used in folk medicine, including Siddha medicine and Ayurvedic traditional
medicines and in the Philippines. In Ayurvedic traditional medicine, the leaves are believed to affect
blood pressure and glucose levels. In Africa, Indonesia and Philippines moringa leaves are given to
nursing mothers in the belief that they increase lactation.
2. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of B
vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese and protein, among
62
other essential nutrients. Some of the calcium in moringa leaves is bound as crystals of calcium
oxalate though at levels 25-45 times less than that found spinach, which is a negligible amount. The
fruit meat of drum sticks, including young seeds, is used for soup. Young leaves can either be fried
with shrimp or added as a topping in fish soup.
3. Young seed pods are most commonly eaten, while in others, the leaves are the most commonly
used part of the plant. The flowers are edible when cooked and are said to taste like mushrooms.
The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional medicine in several
countries. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye.
Local name: But shak

Scientific name: Cicer arietinum
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its seeds
are high in protein. It is one of the earliest cultivated legumes: 7,500-year-old remains have been
found in the Middle East.
Other names
Other common names for the species include garbanzo bean, ceci bean, channa and Bengal gram.
The plant grows to between 20–50 cm (8–20 inches) high and has small feathery leaves on either
side of the stem. Chickpeas are a type of pulse, with one seedpod containing two or three peas. It has
white flowers with blue, violet or pink veins. Chickpeas need a subtropical or tropical climate with
more than 400 millimetres (16 in) of annual rain. They can be grown in a temperate climate but
yields will be much lower. There are two main kinds of chickpea: Desi, which has small, darker
seeds and a rough coat, cultivated mostly in the India, Bangladesh, parts
of Pakistan, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Iran and another is Kabuli, which has lighter coloured, larger
63
seeds and a smoother coat, mainly grown in Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Afghanistan, India,
Pakistan and Chile, also introduced during the 18th century to India.
Uses
1. Mature chickpeas can be cooked and eaten cold in salads, cooked in stews, ground into a flour
called gram flour (also known as chickpea flour and besan and used frequently in Indian cuisine),
ground and shaped in balls and fried as falafel, stirred into a batter and baked to
make farinata or panelle.
2. Some varieties of chickpeas can be popped and eaten like popcorn. Chickpeas and Bengal grams
are used to make curries and are one of the most popular vegetarian foods
in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UK.
3. Because of their high protein content, chick peas are increasingly used as animal
feed.
Local name: Pat shak

Scientific name: Corchorus olitorius
Family: Malvaceae
Introduction
Corchorus is a genus of about 40–100 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, native to
tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world.[
Different common names are used in different contexts, with jute applying to the fiber produced
from the plant, and mallow-leaves for the leaves used as a vegetable. The genus Corchorus is
classified under the subfamily Grewioideae of the family Malvaceae. It contains around 40 to 100
species. The genus Oceanopapaver, previously of uncertain placement, has recently
been synonymized under Corchorus. The name was established by Guillaumin in 1932 for the single
species Oceanopapaver neocaledonicum Guillaumin from New Caledonia. The genus has been
classified in a number of different families including Capparaceae, Cistaceae, Papaveraceae,
and Tiliaceae. The putative family name "Oceanopapaveraceae" has occasionally appeared in print
64
and on the web but is a nomen nudum and has never been validly published nor recognised by
any system of plant taxonomy.
.Description of the plant
The plants are tall, usually annual herbs, reaching a height of 2–4 m, unbranched or with only a few
side branches. The leaves are alternate, simple,lanceolate, 5–15 cm long, with an acuminate tip and a
finely serrated or lobed margin. The flowers are small (2–3 cm diameter) and yellow, with five petals;
the fruit is a many-seeded capsule. It thrives almost anywhere, and can be grown year-round.
Uses
1. The fibers from Corchorus (known as jute) are the most widely cultivated vegetable
fiber after cotton.
2. Corchorus leaves are consumed in the cuisines of various countries. Corchorus olitorius is used
mainly in the cuisines of southern Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, Corchorus
capsularis in Japan and China. It has a mucilaginous (somewhat "slimy") texture, similar to okra,
when cooked. The seeds are used as a flavouring, and a herbal tea is made from the dried leaves. The
leaves of Corchorus are rich in betacarotene, iron, calcium, and vitamin C. The plant has
an antioxidant activity with a significant α-tocopherol equivalentvitamin E.
Local name: Sorisha shak

Scientific name: Brassica campestris
Introduction
Brassica is a genus of plants in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The members of the genus are
collectively known as cruciferous vegetables, cabbages, or mustards. Crops from this genus are
sometimes called cole crops, which is derived from the Latin caulis, meaning stem or cabbage.
65
The genus is native in the wild in western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia.
In addition to the cultivated species, which are grown worldwide, many of the wild species grow as
weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia.
Other names
Turnip rape, canola, field mustard, bird rape, keblock, and colza.

It also includes a number of weeds, both wild taxa and escapees from cultivation. It includes over 30
wild species and hybrids, and numerous additional cultivars and hybrids of cultivated origin. Most
are annuals or biennials, but some are small shrubs.
Uses
1. Leaves are used as vegetable and seeds are used in cooking as spices. Grinding and mixing the
seeds with water, vinegar or other liquids, creates the yellow condiment known as mustard. The
seeds can also be pressed to make mustard oil, and theedible leaves can be eaten as mustard greens.
Common types of brassica used for food include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
and some types of seeds. The genus is known for containing many
important agricultural and horticultural crops.
Local name: Vuiamla

Scientific name: Phyllanthus niruri L.
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Introduction
Phyllanthus niruri is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas, best known by
the common names stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf. It is a relative of the spurges, belonging to the
Phyllanthus genus of Family Phyllanthaceae.
66
Other names
Niruri, Hazardana, Chanca Piedra, Bhumyamalaki, Quebra-Pedra, Nila Nelli, Keezhar Nelli Nela
Usiri, Dukong anak, dukong-dukong anak, amin buah, rami buah, turi hutan, bhuiaonla, and
Meniran.

Erect, slender, hairless plant 10 to 50cm tall. The main axis is quickly branched. The secondary twigs
look like compound leaves. Taproot slender, wiry, provided with fine secondary roots. Stem is
cylindrical and hairless, on that persists, at the level of the leaves insertion, triangular stipules,
acuminates and often cordated in the base. It exudes translucent latex when it is cut. Leaves are
simple, alternate, hairless and subsessiles, pale green above, with pinnated venation little visible. At
the base of the petiole 2 stipulate threadlike reduced, of unequal length and fast blacks. The lamina is
elliptic to elongated, long from 8 to 12mm and wide from 3 to 5,5 mm, with round or blunt summit,
sometimes briefly apiculated, the base rounded and in entire margin. Two faces are hairless.
Inflorescence solitary minute flowers unisexual. Female flowers axillaries in the base of twigs, the
male flowers regrouped by 2 - 4 in the axils of leaves in the top of twigs. Female flowers in peduncle
2mm long, with 5 sepals. The disc is flattened, small, with 5 lobes. The ovary is spherical
surmounted of a short trifid style. Male flowers in hail peduncle, 0,5mm long, with 5 elliptic sepals
and 3 welded stamens. Fruit is capsule dehiscent in 3 cell with 2 seeds each. The capsule is globose,
depressed, and smooth, 2mm in diameter, that appears to the face lower of twigs. Seeds wedge-
shaped, one concave and two flat sides, beige, 1mm in height. Seeds on the back longitudinally
ribbed, on the sides concentrically ribbed, in between and over the ribs finely transversely ribbed.
Cotyledons very reduced, they measure 5mm in length and 2mm of wide, elliptic and sessile, placed
at 2cm over the ground. First leaves subsessile and elliptic, hardly bigger than cotyledons. The
following ones elliptic to elongated, with a round summit.
Distribution
Now pantropical in distribution, it is believed to have originated in tropics of Asia, where is
particularly troublesome. It occurs in gardens and roadsides and thrives in full sunlight from sea level
to 1800 m. It can not survive in dry or dry zone everywhere. P. niruri is a pioneer species and is one
of the first to appear at the start of the rainy season. It grows in wet soils and mature plants tolerate
complete flooding for several years without injury. Plants can grow as epiphytes in the leaf axils of
oil palm.
67
Uses
P. niruri is an important plant of Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine which is used for problems of
the stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney and spleen. The plant has also been used in Brazil
and Peru as a herbal remedy for kidney stones.
Local name: Pipul

Scientific name: Piper longum L.
Family: Piperaceae
Introduction
Long pepper (Piper longum), (Pippali), sometimes called Indian long pepper, is a flowering vine in
the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and
seasoning. Long pepper has a similar, but hotter, taste to its close relative Piper nigrum - from which
black, green and white pepper are obtained. The word pepper itself is derived from the
Tamil/Malayalam word for long pepper, pippali.[1][2][3]
The fruit of the pepper consists of many minuscule fruits — each about the size of a poppy seed —
embedded in the surface of a flower spike that closely resembles a hazel tree catkin. Like piper
nigrum, the fruits contain the alkaloid piperine, which contributes to their pungency. Another species
of long pepper, Piper retrofractum, is native to Java, Indonesia.
Other names
Pipul, Pipla, Bhuth-shan (Chakma), Long Pepper.
A much-branched, slender creeper, with erect flowering shoots. Leaves numerous, 6.3-9 cm long,
lower ones broadly ovate, very cordate, upper ones oblong-oval, cordate at base, all subacute, entire,
glabrous; petiole of the lower leaves 5-7.5 cm, of the upper leaves very short or none. Spikes solitary,
68
pedunculate, male slender, long, female short, thick. Fruit very small, ovoid, completely sunk in
solid fleshy spike, which is 2.5-3.8 cm, ovoid-oblong.
Distribution:
In shady floors of forest and village grove.
Uses
1. Fruits are carminative, stimulant, diuretic, digestive, expectorant and tonic to the liver; used in the
treatment of dyspepsia, coughs, colds, malaise, fever and pain in the joints; improves the appetite.
The root is stomachic, carminative and anthelmintic; used for the treatment of bronchitis, headache
and sleeplessness. Decoction of the dried immature fruit and the root is given in acute and chronic
bronchitis attended with cough. The Chakma give stem extract with hot water to childrens to cure
mumps. The oil showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
2. Long pepper is a very rare ingredient in European cuisines, but it can still be found in Indian
vegetable pickles, some North African spice mixtures, and in Indonesian and Malaysian cooking. It
is readily available at Indian grocery stores, where it is usually labeled pippali.
3.Long pepper is known to contain Piperlongumine, a compound believed to have an anti-tumor

effect.
Local name: Dhekishak

Scientific name: Pteris cretica L.
Family: Pteridaceae
Introduction
Pteris cretica, the Cretan brake fern, is a species of evergreen fern in the family Pteridaceae, native
to Europe, Asia and Africa. Pteris (brake) is a genus of about 280 species of ferns in the Pteridoideae
subfamily of the Pteridaceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Many
69
of them have linear frond segments, and some have sub-palmate division. Like other members of the
Pteridaceae, the frond margin is reflexed over the marginal sori.
The term "brake", used for members of this genus, is a Middle English word for "fern" from southern
England. Its derivation is unclear, and is generally thought to be related to "bracken", whereby the
latter word has been assumed to be a plural, as with "children", and the former word a back-
formation. However it may have a separate derivation.
Other names
Cretan brake, Cretan fern, kretischer saumfarn, oali, owali, ribbon fern, white ribbon fern, white-
lined.

Stems slender, creeping, sparingly scaly; scales dark brown to chestnut brown. Leaves clustered to
closely spaced, to 1m. Petiole straw-coloured to light brown distally, darker proximally, 10-50cm,
base sparsely scaly. Blade irregularly ovate, primarily and irregularly pedately divided, 10-30 × 6-
25cm; rachis not winged; only terminal pinna decurrent on rachis. Pinnae 1-3 pairs, well separated,
blade often 5-parted with terminal pinna and 2 lateral pairs of pinnae remaining green through
winter, not articulate; sterile pinnae to 25 × 0.8-1.5cm, serrulate; fertile pinnae narrower than sterile
pinnae, to ca. 11mm wide, spiny-serrate; base acute acroscopically and decurrent (sometimes
narrowly and barely so) basiscopically, glabrous; proximal pinnae with 1 (rarely 2) basiscopic lobes.
Veins free, simple or forked. Sori narrow, blade tissue exposed abaxially.
Cultivation
Pteris cretica is cultivated widely by plant nurseries. It is used in gardens in the ground and as a
potted plant, and as a houseplant. The variety with variegated foliage, Pteris cretica var. albolineata,
is also widely used, brightening shade gardens.
Uses
Pteris cretica is commonly grown as an ornamental species in pot plants and gardens. Pteris ferns
such as P. vittata and P. cretica have shown a remarkable ability to tolerate and accumulate high
concentrations of arsenic as well as antimony in their fronds. They have been used to remove arsenic
from residential soils in Washington DC. This phytofiltration ability makes it capable of rapidly
filtering arsenic from drinking water supplies.
70
Local name: Bokful
Scientific name: Sesbania grandiflora Pers.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
The legume Sesbania bispinosa, also known as Sesbania aculeata (Willd.) Pers., is a small tree in the
genus Sesbania. The flower is the provincial flower of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand.
Other names
Agati, Brede Malabar (Mascareignes), Scarlet Wisteria Tree, Red Wisteria, Daun Turi, Agati Sesban,
Swamp Pea, corkwood, parrot flower, scarlet wistaria tree, sesban vegetable hummingbird, Heron
flower, Agati, Agati sesbania, Agasti sesbania, Corkwood tree, Hummingbird tree, Scarlet wisteria
tree, Swamp pea, Vegetable hummingbird, West Indian pea, West Indian pea tree, Kolibribaum,
Turibaum, Scharlach Baumwisterie, Agasti. Siesaban, danchi, dunchi, dhaincha, canicha, prickly
sesban, Jantar or spiny sesbania. dien thanh gai.
Distribution and habitat
It is native to Asia and North Africa, is most common in tropical Africa where it grows as a common
noxious weed, and has been introduced to the Americas. It can grow on saline soil. S. bispinosa is
adapted to wet, heavy soil but apparently adapts easily to drought-prone or sandy regions. It is
cultivated widely in India and it is grown in rice paddies in Vietnam for use as firewood.
Description
It is an annual shrub which can grow to seven metres in height but usually only reaches one to two
metres. It sends out fibrous, pithy stems with long leaves and bears purple-spotted yellow flowers. It
produces pods which contain light brown beans. Sesbania grandiflora is a loosely branching tree up
to 15 m tall. Its leaves are pinnately compound up to 30 cm long with 20-50 leaflets in pairs,
dimensions 12-44 x 5-15 mm, oblong to elliptical in shape. Flowers are large, white, yellowish, rose
71
pink or red with a calyx 15-22 mm long. The standard has dimensions up to 10.5 x 6 cm. Pods are
long (20-60 cm) and thin (6-9 mm) with broad sutures containing 15-50 seeds.
Uses
1. The plant has a great number of uses, including as green manure, rice straw, wood and fodder.
2. It can be used like industrial hemp for rope, fish nets, sackcloth and sailcloth. Its fibers are similar
to those of birch trees and show promise as a source of paper fiber.
3. The foliage makes a good fodder for livestock and the beans can be fed to fowl. The plant has
been also used as a famine food by people.
4. Natural gum from the plant is useful as a thickening agent. Like other legumes, it can be planted to
improve the soil via nitrogen fixation. It makes a good firewood.
5. The beans have historically been used in poultices to treat ringworm and other skin infections.
Bark in a decoction used for stomach pains. Leaf: Juice for a gargle against mouth sprue. Used for
medicinal purposes principally by people of Javan ancestry in Surinam. Leaf juice is used as nasal
drops in headache. Fruits used as vaginal douche in leucorrhoea. Fruits used as curative agents in
colic, jaundice and food poisoning. Root is useful in rheumatic swelling.
Local name: Kakmorich

Scientific name: Solanum nigrum L.
Family: Solanaceae
Introduction
The family Solanaceae is represented by about 90 genera and 2800 species of nearly cosmopolitan
distribution. Central and South America are the chief centers of distribution where over 40 genera are
found. Khan and Miah (2002) reported 13 genera and 34 species from Bangladesh. Where as
Rahman (2009) reported 13 genera and 37 species from Bangladesh. Central and South America are
72
the chief centres of distribution where over 40 genera are found. About 15 genera and over 90
species have been reported from India. Chromosome number: 2n = 24 (Oyelana A. Olatunji, 2005).
S. nigrum is a plant under the Solanaceae family. Chromosome Number 2n=24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 144
(Fedorov, 1969)
Other names
Putibegun, Kakmachi, Black Night Shade.
Habitat: Road side, grasslands and waste places.

A variable annual; stem erect, glabrous or more or less pubescent, much divariacately branched.
Leaves numerous, 2.5-9 by 2-5 cm, ovatelanceolate, subacute or acuminate, glabrous, thin, entire
sinuate toothed, tapering into the petiole; petioles 2 cm long. Flowers are small, in extraaxillary sub
umbellate 3-8-flowered cymes; peduncles 6-20 mm long,
slender; pedicles 6-10 mm long, very slender. Calyx 3 mm long, glabrous or nearly sol; lobes 5,
oblong, obtuse, 1.25 mm long, not enlarged in fruit. Corolla 4-8 mm long, divided more than ½ way
down in to 5 oblong subacute lobes. Filaments short, flattened, hairy and base; anthers 2.5 mm long,
yellow, oblong, obtuse, notched at the apex. Ovary is globose, glabrous; style cylindric, hairy. Berry
6 mm diam., globose, usually purplish black, but some times red or yellow, smooth, shining, seeds
discoid, 1.5 mm diam., minutely pitted, yellow. Flowering season: July. Flower colour: White.
Uses
Berries are edible. The juice of the plant is given in chronic enlargement of liver.
Local name: Futki begun

Scientific name: Solanum indicum L.
Family: Solanaceae
73
Introduction
The family Solanaceae is represented by about 90 genera and 2800 species of nearly cosmopolitan
distribution. Central and South America are the chief centers of distribution where over 40 genera are
found. Khan and Miah (2002) reported 13 genera and 34 species from Bangladesh. Where as
Rahman (2009) reported 13 genera and 37 species from Bangladesh. Central and South America are
the chief centres of distribution where over 40 genera are found. About 15 genera and over 90
species have been reported from India. S. indicum is a plant under the Solanaceae family.
Chromosome number: 2n = 24 (Oyelana A. Olatunji, 2005).
Other names
Tetbegun, Bokoir.
Habitat: Road side, grassland and waste places.

A much-branched undershrub 0.3-1.5 m very prickly; prickly large with a long compressed bare,
sharp, often slightly recurred; stem stout, often, purple; branches covered with minute stellate hairs.
Leaves 515 by 2.5-7.5 cm, ovate in outline, cute, subentrie or with a few large triangular-ovate
subacute lobes, sparsely prickly on both sides, clothed about with simple hairs from bulbous bare
intermixed with small stellate ones, covered below with small stellate hairso; bare cordate, cunete or
truncate, often unequalsided; petioles 1.3-2.5 cm long, prickly. Flowersis racemose extra axillary
cymes; peduncles short; pedicels 6-13 mm long, stellately halry and prickly. Calyx is 3 mm long,
stellately hairy, teeth triangular, 1.5 mm long. Corolla 8 mm long, pale purple, clothed outside with
barker purple stellate hairs; lobes 5 mm long, deltoid, ovate, acute. Filaments is very short, almost o;
anthers oblong, lanceolate, opening by small pores. Ovary is often hairy at the top; style stellately
hairy, curved at rthe apex. Berry is
8 mm diam., globose, dark yellow when ripe, plabrous or sometimes with a few stellate hairs at the
apex. Seeds 4 mm diam., minutely pitted. Flower colour: Purple, Flowering season: July Particularly
throughout the year except cold weather.
Uses
Roots are diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant. The root is used against bronchites, itch and
for bodyaches, for asthma and to cure wounds while the seeds are used to treat toothache. The berries
are injurious to children but are often eaten by adults with impunity, especially when quite ripe as the
poisonous principle is chiefly associated with all green parts. It is applied in medicine similarly to
74
bittersweet but is more powerful and possesses greater narcotic properties. The leaves are placed in
the cradles of infants to promote sleep. It is useful in cutaneous disorders. Their juice has been used
for ringworm, gout and earache and when mixed with vinegar, is considered to be good for gargle
and mouthwash. Half-ripe fruits are employed in the preparation of curries, chutneys and preserves.
A decoction of root is prescribed as a tonic and also used in difficult parturition.
Local name: Shusni shak

Scientific name: Marsilea quadrifolia
Family: Marsileaceae
Introduction
M. quadrifolia is found in central and southern Europe, Caucasia, western Siberia, Afghanistan,
sw India, China, Japan and North America. Considered a weed in some parts of the United
States where it has been well established in the north eastern States for over 100 years.
M. quadrifolia is the perfect alternative to higher light demand foreground plants. There are a few
different varieties of Marsilea species, but the true Marsilea quadrifolia is most distinguishable by
the four-leaf clover it produces when grown submerged. This plant is a native to Europe and
Southern Asia where it is found both in its submersed and emergent terrestrial forms along
marshlands, riverbanks and streams. In parts of the United States this plant is considered an invasive
species in areas where it has been well established the past 100+ years. M. quadrifolia is commonly
known as European Water clover.
Other names
'Four Leaf Clover'; European waterclover (USA); Sushni in parts of India; "aalaik keerai" in Tamil
and is in use for more than 3000 years as part of food.
Habitat
75
Aquatic fern bearing 4 parted leaf resembling '4-leaf clover' (Trifolium). Leaves floating in deep
water or erect in shallow water or on land. Leaflets obdeltoid, to 3/4" long, glaucous, petioles to 8"
long; Sporocarp (ferns) ellipsoid, to 3/16" long, dark brown, on stalks to 3/4" long, attached to base
of petioles. When initially planting M. quadrifolia, place each runner segment approximately 1 inch
(2 cm) apart. Each runner should have at 4-5 plants along the chain. M. quadrifolia is a slow growing
plant that requires patience to completely fill an area of forefround. M. quadrifolia is best suited for
low to moderate light aquariums, with aquascapers who desire to have slower forefround growth and
want limited maintenance efforts.
Cultivation
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland)
or no shade. It requires moist or wet soil and can grow in water. Marsilea quadrifolia can be grown
as a potted plant, either just with soil kept wet, or semi-submerged, with fronds emergent from the
water, or fully submerged, with the fronds floating on the surface of the water.
In the aquarium, water clover is grown fully submerged, usually in the foreground where it spreads
by means of runners. It normally seems to be unfussy as to light and water conditions, and doesn't
need a rich substrate. Marsileas are very easy to germinate from their sporocarps. However, the
sporocarps must be abraded, cracked, or have an edge sliced off before submerging them in water so
that the water can penetrate to swell the tissues, and germination is infrared-light dependent. Full
sunlight is fine for this purpose.
Growth Characteristics
M. quadrifolia is an undemanding plant species that is able to adapt to low light and high light
conditions. It does not require carbon dioxide or heavy water column fertilization. However a
nutrient rich substrate, high light, and carbon dioxide injection will encourage it to grow faster than
its natural slow growth propensity. Marsilea quadrifolia spreads through runners across the substrate
floor. As it creeps along the surface, new clover like leaves will emerged that are supported by
petioles that can grow to a length of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). Propagation is completed by splitting
the runners and replanting them.
Uses
A juice made from the leaves is diuretic and febrifuge. It is also used to treat snakebite and applied to
abscesses etc. The plant is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, depurative, febrifuge and refrigerant.
76
Local name: Palong shak
Scientific name: Spinacea oleracea
Introduction
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an edible flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceae. It is native
to central and southwestern Asia. Common spinach, Spinacia oleracea, was long considered to be in
the Chenopodiaceae family, but in 2003, the Chenopodiaceae family was combined with the
Amaranthaceae family under the family name 'Amaranthaceae' in the order Caryophyllales. Within
the Amaranthaceae family, Amaranthoideae and Chenopodioideae are now subfamilies, for the
amaranths and the chenopods, respectively.
Other name
Spanish
It is anannual plant (rarely biennial), which grows to a height of up to 30 cm. Spinach may survive
over winter in temperate regions. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular-based, very
variable in size from about 2–30 cm long and 1–15 cm broad, with larger leaves at the base of the
plant and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green,
3–4 mm diameter, maturing into a small, hard, dry, lumpy fruit cluster 5–10 mm across containing
several seeds.
Uses
Spinach has a high nutritional value and is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially when fresh,
steamed, or quickly boiled. It is a rich source of vitamin A , vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin
K, magnesium, manganese, folate, betaine, iron, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, vit.B6, folic
acid, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. Recently, opioid
peptides called rubiscolins have also been found in spinach. Polyglutamyl folate (vitamin B9 or folic
acid) is a vital constituent of cells, and spinach is a good source of folic acid. Boiling spinach can
77
more than halve the level of folate left in the spinach, but microwaving does not affect folate
content. Vitamin B9 was first isolated from spinach in 1941. Spinach, along with other green leafy
vegetables, is considered to be rich in iron. Spinach also has a high calcium content. However, the
oxalate content in spinach also binds with calcium, decreasing its absorption.The calcium in spinach
is the least bioavailable of calcium sources. By way of comparison, the human body can absorb
about half of the calcium present in broccoli, yet only around 5% of the calcium in spinach.
Local name: Dupra shak

Scientific name: Leucas aspera
Family: Lamiaceae
Introduction
Leucas aspera is a species within the Leucas genus and the Lamiaceae family. Although the species
has many different common names depending on the region in which it is located, it is most
commonly known as Thumbai. Found throughout India, it is known for its various uses in the fields
of medicine and agriculture.
Leucas aspera is commonly found throughout India and the Philippines as well as the plains of
Mauritius and java. In India and the Philippines Leucas aspera is very common weed.
Other names
Shethdrone, Dupra.
Habitat
Leucas aspera is typically found in dry, open, sandy soil and is abundant in areas with waste.
Leucas aspera is an annual plant that can reach heights of 15–60 cm.The leaves of the Leucas aspera
can be obtuse, linear or linearly lanceolate or petiolate. They can reach up to lengths of 8.0 cm, and
be 1.25 cm broad. The length of petioles is typically 2.5 to 6 mm long. The leaves epidermis is
covered in a thick waxy cuticle and is traversed with stomata. The stem quadrangular and contains a
wide stele. The epidermis of the stem is covered in a thick waxy cuticle and contains few traversed
stomata. Typically in younger stems the xylem tissue is radially organized and the parenchymatous
78
pholem tissue is very narrow. As the stem ages the pholem tissue widens and can be found on both
sides of the radial xylem tissue. The roots of the Leucas aspera contains epidermal cells which are
very narrow and closely packed together. The cell walls of the epidermal cells are very thin, flattened
and straight. The parenchyma in the cortex contains thick walls. The parenchyma cells are
polygonally shaped and contain a large amount of starch grains. The cambium separates the phloem
and xylem, which are globose to subglobose. Flowers on the Leucas aspera are white, small, and
directly attached to the base without a peduncleor stalk. The flowers are held together in auxiliary
whorls or dense terminals. They contain 6 mm long bracts that are bristle-tipped, linear, acute and
are "ciliate with long slender hairs". The Calyx is 8 to 13 mm in length. It has a tubular shape. The
bottom half is glabrous and membraneous, upper half is hispid and ribbed. It contains a small mouth
and is very oblique. In addition, it also has small, short triangular teeth. The corolla on the Leucas
aspera is 1 cm in length and the tube is 5 mm in length. It is annulate in the middle portion and
pubescent on the upper region. The calyx is "densely white-woolly", upper lip is approximately 3
mm in length and the lower lip is approximately 6 mm in length. The middle lobe is rounded, obviate
and the lateral lobes are subacute and small in size. The fruit of the Leucas aspera is 2.5 mm long.
They are nutlets that are brown, smooth and oblong in shape. The outer portion of the fruit is
rounded while the inner portion is angular.
Uses
1. It is a herb used in food to provide fragrance to food.
2. Leusas aspera is reported to have antifungal, prostaglandin inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial,

antinociceptive and cytotoxic activities. Leusas aspera is used in the traditional medicine of the
Philippines to treat scorpion bites. It is also an antipyretic, it is a herb that has the ability to help
reduce fevers. In some forms of traditional medicine, the steam formed by crushing the Samoolam,
also known as the plant's flowers, seeds, roots, berries, bark or leaves, can be inhaled to help treat
nasal congestion, coughing, cold, headache and fever. In addition the juices of the flower can be
extracted and used to help treat sinusitis, as well as headaches. The juice of the flowers can also be
used to treat intestinal worms in children.
3. Leusas aspera is used commonly as an insecticide. In addition the plant also has been used in
witchcraft.
79
Local name: Morich
Scientific name: Capsicum fruticans
Family: Solanaceae
Introduction
Chilli is an important crop grown in South India. It is botanically referred to as Capsicum annum and
belongs to the Solanaceae family.
Capsicum annuum is a species of the plant genus Capsicum native to southern North America and
northern South America. This species is the most common and extensively cultivated of the five
domesticated capsicums. The species encompasses a wide variety of shapes and sizes of peppers,
both mild and hot, ranging from bell peppers to chili peppers. Cultivars are descended from the wild
American bird pepper still found in warmer regions of the Americas. In the past some woody forms
of this species have been called C. frutescens, but the features that were used to distinguish those
forms appear in many populations of C. annuum and there is no consistently recognizable C.
frutescens species.
Other names
Lonka.
Although the species name annuum means “annual” (from the Latin annus “year”), the plant is not
anannual and in the absence of winter frosts can survive several seasons and grow into a
large perennialshrub.The single flowers are an off-white (sometimes purplish) color while the stem is
densely branched and up to 60 centimetres (24 in) tall. The fruit is a berry and may be green, yellow
or red when ripe. While the species can tolerate most climates, C. annuum is especially productive in
warm and dry climates.
Propagation
Well drained loamy soils are ideal for its cultivation. The best season is May-June for rainfed crop
and irrigated crop in October- November and January-February.
80
Uses
Leaves of the plant used as vegetavle and fruits used as spices and as a herbal medicine. Sweet
peppers are very often used as a bulking agent in ready-made meals and take-away food. because
they are cheap, have a strong flavour, and are colorful. Foods containing peppers, especially chili
peppers, often have a strong aftertaste due to the presence of capsinoids in peppers. Capsaicin, a
chemical found in chili peppers, creates a burning sensation once ingested, which can last for several
hours after ingestion. Hot peppers are used in medicine as well as food in Africa and other places
around the world.
Local name: Motorsuti

Scientific name: Pisum sativum
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Pisum is a genus of the family Fabaceae, native to southwest Asia and northeast Africa. It contains
one to five species, depending on taxonomic interpretation; the International Legume Database
(ILDIS) accepts three species, one with two subspecies. Pisum sativum (the field or garden pea), is
domesticated and is a major human food crop, see Pea and Split Pea. The pea is most commonly the
small spherical seed or the seed-pod of the pod fruit Pisum sativum. Each pod contains several peas.
Peapods are botanically a fruit, since they contain seeds developed from the ovary of a (pea) flower.
The name is also used to describe other edible seeds from theFabaceae species of Lathyrus.
Other names
Pea, Motor kalai.

A pea is a most commonly green, occasionally purple or golden yellow, pod-shaped vegetable,
widely grown as a cool season vegetable crop. The seeds may be planted as soon as the soil
temperature reaches 10 °C (50 °F), with the plants growing best at temperatures of 13 to 18 °C (55 to
64 °F). They do not thrive in the summer heat of warmer temperate and lowland tropical climates,
81
but do grow well in cooler, high altitude, tropical areas. Many cultivars reach maturity about 60 days
after planting.
Peas have both low-growing and vining cultivars. The vining cultivars grow thin tendrils from leaves
that coil around any available support and can climb to be 1–2 m high. A traditional approach to
supporting climbing peas is to thrust branches pruned from trees or other woody plants upright into
the soil, providing a lattice for the peas to climb. Branches used in this fashion are sometimes
called pea brush. Metal fences, twine, or netting supported by a frame are used for the same purpose.
In dense plantings, peas give each other some measure of mutual support. Pea plants can self-
pollinate. The Pisum sativum flower has 5 sepals (fused), 5 petals, 10 stamens (9 fused in a staminal
tube and 1 stamen is free) and 1 subsessil carpel.
Uses
Peas are starchy, but high in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and lutein. Dry weight is about one-
quarter protein and one-quarter sugar. Pea seed peptide fractions have less ability to scavenge free
radicals thanglutathione, but greater ability to chelate metals and inhibit linoleic acid oxidation.
Local name: Gima shak

Scientific name: Mollugo spergula
Family: Molluginaceae
Introduction
Gima is a plant of Molluginaceae commonly used as leafy vegetables.
Other names
Jima, Grishma-sundaraka, Ghima, Pampantra, Thura poondu, Chayuntarashi, Chadarasi gida,
Chandarasisoppu, Phanija, Ushnasundara, Lonika, Grishma-sundara, Parpata (Kerala),
Thurapoondu, Jala-papr (Bihar), Jeem Shaak.
Habitat
Greater part of India, especially in Assam, Bengal and Deccan Peninsula.
82
Jima is a prostrate annual herb, to 50 cm long, hairless. Leaves alternate, opposite or apparently
verticillate; laminae 2–37 × 4–23 mm., elliptic, obovate, spathulate or circular, entire; base cuneate,
apex subacute to rounded; petiole up to 1–3 cm. long, green when glabrous or glabrescent, whitish
when densely covered with persistent stellate silky hairs. Leaf blade spoon-shaped or elliptic, 1-2.5
cm × 3-6 mm, base attenuate, margin with sparse teeth, apex obtuse or acute. Leaf stalks are short.
Flowers greenish-white, sometimes with a pink tinge, apparently cleistogamous, inconspicuous,
clustered at nodes, 2–10 per node; pedicels 1–4 mm. long. Perianth-segments up to 8 mm. long, more
or less keeled, acute or mucronate, remaining closed around the fruit. Staminodes 0–8, strap-shaped,
2-fid at apex. Stamens usually numerous. Ovary of (3)5 united carpels; stigmas (3)5. Flowering
almost all year round. Fruit a capsule, 6 mm. long. Seeds dark brown, usually with ridges, with or
without tubercles, the aril c. 1/2 the length of the seed.
Uses
Leaves used as a vegetables and whole plant used as a herbal medicine.
Local name: Olkochu pata

Scientific name: Amorphophalus bulbifer
Family: Araceae
Introduction
Amorphophallus bulbifer is a species in the genus Amorphophallus which contains approximately

202 to 215 species and belongs to the family of the Araceae (Arum Family).
83
Herb with depressed, globose, subterranean tuber; leaf one, on a long petiole, 3-partite with multified
segments; inflorescence sessile on ground; spathe reddish-pink. The plants reach heights of 80 to 100
centimetres. Leaves: Amorphophallus bulbifer has green, simple leaves that are basal. Flowers and
Fruits: Amorphophallus bulbifer produces light-green spathae from July to August. The plants carry
red berries. Root System
Cultivation
The plants prefer a half-shady situation on moist soil. The substrate should be loamy soil. They
tolerate temperatures only above at least 1°C (USDA zone 10).
Distribution
Wild throughout the country. Amorphophallus bulbifer is native to Northeast India.
Uses
Leaves used as a vegetavle. Corm used in piles and gonorrhoea.
Local name: Shialkata

Scientific name: Argemone mexicana
Family: Papaveraceae
Introduction
Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy, Mexican prickly poppy, Flowering thistle, cardo or cardosanto)
is a species of poppy found in Mexico and now widely naturalized in many parts of the world. An
extremely hardy pioneer plant, it is tolerant of drought and poor soil, often being the only cover on
new road cuttings or verges. It has bright yellow latex, and though poisonous to grazing animals, is
rarely eaten, but has been used medicinally by many people including those in its native area, the
Natives of the western US and parts of Mexico.
Other names
Mexican prickly poppy, Pua kala.

84
Habitat
Dry soils along roadsides and in waste places and fields.

Annual erect, glaucous herb up to 1m tall with pricky stem which exudes yellow latex when cut.
Leaves: Sessile, alternate, sinuate pinnatified with prickly teeth, often variegated, grey to bluish
green. Flowers: 4 cm to 5 cm in length, bright yellow, white or creamy white. Fruit: Capsule
dehiscing by pores (3x1.5 cm),
ellipsoid.
Uses
Science, Horticulture, Medicine. In Zambia there are no known uses but this needs investigation as
the plant could be used for its medicinal properties. In other countries like India, Argemone
ochroleuca has many uses. The plant contains alkaloids which are used as a mild pain killer. The
fresh yellow, milky acid sap is known to contain protein dissolving substances which can be used in
the treatment of warts, cold sores, cutaneons affections, skin diseases, itches etc. The root is known
to be alterative and can be used in the treatment of chronic skin diseases. They are expectorant and
can be used in the treatment of coughs and other chest complaints. The seeds are known to be
demulcent, emetic expectorant and laxative. An infusion, in small quantities can be used as asedative
for children, but caution is advised since the oil in the seeds is strongly purgative, the seed can also
be used as an antidole to snake poisoning.
Mexican Poppy is a pandemic (global) plant with a potentially lethal smorgasborg of alkaloids and
uses. It is used world-wide as a pain reliever and wart remover. A popular medicinal herb in India
where it is known as satyanashi, it is used for cough, asthma, phlegm in the throat, dysentery and
rheumatism. It is considered to be a “sister plant” to Datura metel.
The seeds are expectorant, sedative, and the seed oil is a purgative. They make a good salve for
injuries and bruises. The plant is used topically in Peru for muscle aches. Research shows that
Mexican Poppy may be useful in treating cancer and certain alkaloids inhibit viruses, bacteria, and
fungi.
85
Local name: Ishormul pata
Scientific name: Aristolochia indica L.
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Introduction
Aristolochia indica is a creeper plant found in Kerala in India and also Sri Lanka. This plant is
critical to the survival of the Southern Birdwing and Common Birdwing. It reaches a height of
several metres on trees and cover the branches with thick foliage. It flowers once a year to produce
seeds. It can also be propagated by roots. The plant has a number of historical medicinal uses. This
plant contains Aristolochic acid is a rodent carcinogen found in Aristolochia and Asarum, both in the
Aristolochiaceae family of plants. Aristolochic acid is composed of a 1:1 mixture of two forms,
aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II.
Aristolochia is a large plant genus with over 500 species that is the namesake (type genus) of the
family (Aristolochiaceae). Its members are commonly known as birthworts, pipevines or Dutchman's
pipes and are widespread and occur in the most diverse climates. Some species, like A. utriformis
and A. westlandii, are threatened with extinction.
As of 2013, it has been confirmed that naturally occurring carcinogenic compounds have been found
in plants within the genus Aristolochia.
Other names
Dutchman's pipe, pipevine, Birthwort, Indian Birthwort.
Aristolochia is a genus of evergreen and deciduous woody vines and herbaceous perennials. The
smooth stem is erect or somewhat twining. The simple leaves are alternate and cordate, membranous,
growing on leaf stalks. There are no stipules. The flowers grow in the leaf axils. They are inflated
and globose at the base, continuing as a long perianth tube, ending in a tongue-shaped, brightly
86
colored lobe. There is no corolla. The calyx is one to three whorled, and three to six toothed. The
sepals are united (gamosepalous). There are six to 40 stamens in one whorl. They are united with the
style, forming a gynostemium. The ovary is inferior and is four to six locular.
These flowers have a specialized pollination mechanism. The plants are aromatic and their strong
scent attracts insects. The inner part of the perianth tube is covered with hairs, acting as a fly-trap.
These hairs then wither to release the fly, covered with pollen. The fruit is dehiscent capsule with
many endospermic seeds.
Distribution
Dhaka, Dinajpur, Rajshahi and Tangail.
Uses
Aristolochia indica L. (Aristolochiaceae) has long been used in Indian subcontinent in the traditional
system of medicine to treat cholera, fever, bowel troubles, ulcers, leprosy, skin diseases, menstrual
problems and snakebites. The plant is also used as emmenagogue, abortifacient, antineoplastic,
antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antifertility and antispermatogenic agent.
Aristolochic acid, a major active constituent of the plant is reported to cause cancer, nephropathy,
sister chromatid exchange and is a potent abortifacient.
The root is stimulant, tonic and emmenagogue; employed in malarial fever, intermittent fevers and
useful in pains in the joints, given to children for flatulance and dyspepsia.
Local name: Nimpata

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Introduction
Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem, Nimtree, and Indian Lilac is a tree in the mahogany family
Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India, Pakistan, and
87
Bangladesh growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem tree is the official tree of the Sindh
Province and is very common in all cities of Sindh, there are projects underway for planting this tree
in all over Sindh Province. Neem trees also grow in islands in the southern part of Iran. Its fruits and
seeds are the source of neem oil.
Other names
The English name neem is borrowed from Hindi. The Urdu, Arabic, and Nepali names are the same.
Other vernacular names include Nimm in Sindhi and Punjabi, Nim in Bengali, Vembu (Tamil), Arya
Veppu (Malayalam), Azad Dirakht (Persian), Nimba, Arishta, Picumarda (Sanskrit, Oriya), Limda
(Gujarati language), Kadu-Limba (Marathi), Dogonyaro (in some Nigerian languages - Hausa),
Margosa, Nimtree, Vepu, Vempu, Vepa, Bevu, Kodu nimb, Tamar, Mimba (Indonesian), Imba
(Javanese), Intaran (Balinese), Maliyirinin (Bambara) and Paraiso (Spanish). In East Africa it is also
known as Muarubaini (Swahili), sisibi (in some Ghanaian languages such as kusaal).
Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), rarely to 35–40
metres (115–131 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves.
The branches are wide and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach a diameter
of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft) in old, free-standing specimens. The neem tree is very similar in
appearance to its relative, the Chinaberry (Melia azedarach). The opposite, pinnate leaves are 20–40
centimetres (7.9–15.7 in) long, with 20 to 31 medium to dark green leaflets about 3–8 centimetres
(1.2–3.1 in) long. The terminal leaflet is often missing. The petioles are short. The (white and
fragrant) flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles which are up to 25
centimetres (9.8 in) long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree, bear from 150 to
250 flowers. An individual flower is 5–6 millimetres (0.20–0.24 in) long and 8–11 millimetres
(0.31–0.43 in) wide. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the same individual
tree. The fruit is a smooth (glabrous) olive-like drupe which varies in shape from elongate oval to
nearly roundish, and when ripe is 1.4–2.8 centimetres (0.55–1.10 in) by 1.0–1.5 centimetres (0.39–
0.59 in). The fruit skin (exocarp) is thin and the bitter-sweet pulp (mesocarp) is yellowish-white and
very fibrous. The mesocarp is 0.3–0.5 centimetres (0.12–0.20 in) thick. The white, hard inner shell
(endocarp) of the fruit encloses one, rarely two or three, elongated seeds (kernels) having a brown
seed coat.
88
Distribution
Of the two species in the genus, A. indica is native to India. Normally found in the Indian
subcontinent (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanamar), the tree is cultivated throughout Southeast
Asia, Australia, Africa, many countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico,
Virgin Islands, Haiti, and the Plains of Arafat
Uses
1. Neem is also used to give baths to the Muslim dead. Neem leaves are dried in India, Pakistan and
placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes and also while storing rice in tins. Neem
leaves are dried and burnt in the tropical regions of Pakistan to keep away mosquitoes. These leaves
are also used in many Indian festivals like Ugadi.
2. The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable.
3. Neem products are believed by Ayurvedic practitioners to be anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic,

antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative. It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic
and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin diseases. Neem oil is also used for healthy
hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels. Neem leaves have
been also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Local name: Rai sorisha

Scientific name: Brassica juncea L.
Introduction
Brassica juncea, mustard greens, Indian mustard, Chinese mustard, or leaf mustard is a species of
mustard plant. Subvarieties include southern giant curled mustard, which resembles a headless
cabbage such as kale, but with a distinct horseradish-mustard flavor. It is also known as green
mustard cabbage.
89
Other names
Sorisha
Perennial herb, usually grown as an annual or biennial, up to 1 m or more tall; branches long, erect or
patent; lower leaves petioled, green, sometimes with a whitish bloom, ovate to obovate, variously
lobed with toothed, scalloped or frilled edges, lyrate-pinnatisect, with 1–2 lobes or leaflets on each
side and a larger sparsely setose, terminal lobe; upper leaves subentire, short petioled, 30–60 mm
long, 2–3.5 mm wide, constricted at intervals, sessile, attenuate into a tapering, seedless, short beak
5–10 mm long. Rooting depth 90–120 cm. Seeds about 5,660–6,000 per 0.01 kg (1/3 oz).
Cultivation
Seeds sown in very early spring for spring use and in the fall for winter use. Successive plantings
10–14 days apart insure an all season crop. Sown in drills 30–45 cm apart; plants thinned to about 15
cm as they become crowded in the row. Control of weeds is essential, and 1 to 3 intercultivations
may be necessary. When grown for seed, offtype plants should be rogued before flowering. In India,
for pure culture, seeding is at a rate of 4–6 kg/ha; when cultivated with peas or barley, about 3 kg/ha.
This mustard requires a good sandy loamy soil, with about 50–75 kg N, 100–150 kg acid phosphate,
and 50–75 kg potash per hectare. Manure or soil improving crops may also be used. Nitrogen
increases seed yield. This crop should not follow other Brassica crops in rotation. For disease
control, it is best grown once every 3–4 years.
Distribution
Primary center of origin thought to be central Asia (northwest India), with secondary centers in
central and western China, eastern India, Burma, and through Iran to Near East. Has been cultivated
for centuries in many parts of Eurasia. The principle growing countries are Bangladesh, Central
Africa, China, India, Japan, Nepal, and Pakistan, as well as southern Russia north of the Caspian Sea.
Considered a principle weed in Canada, a common weed in Argentina and Australia, and a weed in
Fiji, Mexico, and the United States, Indian Mustard is widely distributed as a cultivar and escape in
subtropical and temperate climates.
Uses
Young tender leaves of mustard greens are used in salads or mixed with other salad greens. Older
leaves with stems may be eaten fresh, canned or frozen, for potherbs, and to a limited extent in
90
salads. Mustard greens are often cooked with ham or salt pork, and may be used in soups and stews.
Although widely and extensively grown as a vegetable, it is being grown more for its seeds which
yield an essential oil and condiment. Mustard Oil is one of the major edible oils in India, the fixed oil
content of rai varying between 28.6% and 45.7%. Oil is also used for hair oil, lubricants and, in
Russia, as a substitute for olive oil. Adding 1.1–2.2% mustard oil to fresh apple cider retards
fermentation. Seed residue is used as cattle feed and in fertilizers .
Reported to be anodyne, apertif, diuretic, emetic, rubefacient, and stimulant, Indian Mustard is a folk
remedy for arthritis, footache, lumbago, and rheumatism. Seed used for tumors in China. Root used
as a galactagogue in Africa. Vegetable growers sometimes grow mustard as a green manure.
Local name: Bandhakopi

Scientific name: Brassica oleracea L. ver.
capittata
Introduction
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea or variants) is a leafy green or purple biennial plant, grown as an annual
vegetable crop for its dense-leaved heads. Closely related to other cole crops, such as broccoli,
cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, it descends from B. oleracea var. oleracea, a wild field cabbage.
Cabbage heads generally range from 1 to 8 pounds (0.5 to 4 kg), and can be green, purple and white.
Smooth-leafed firm-headed green cabbages are the most common, with smooth-leafed red and
crinkle-leafed savoy cabbages of both colors seen more rarely.
It is difficult to trace the exact history of cabbage, but it was most likely domesticated somewhere in
Europe before 1000 BC, although savoys were not developed until the 16th century. By the Middle
Ages, it had become a prominent part of European cuisine. Cabbage heads are generally picked
during the first year of the plants' life cycles, but those intended for seed are allowed to grow a
second year, and must be kept separated from other cole crops to prevent cross-pollination. Cabbage
is prone to several nutrient deficiencies, as well as multiple pests, bacteria and fungal diseases.
91
Other names
Narikal gobi.
Cabbage seedlings have a thin taproot and cordate (heart-shaped) cotyledons. The first leaves
produced are ovate (egg-shaped) with a lobed petiole. Plants are 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall in their
first year at the mature vegetative stage, and 1.5–2.0 m (4.9–6.6 ft) tall when flowering in the second
year. Heads average between 1 and 8 pounds (0.5 and 4 kg), with fast-growing, earlier-maturing
varieties producing smaller heads. Most cabbages have thick, alternating leaves, with margins that
range from wavy or lobed to highly dissected; some varieties have a waxy bloom on the leaves.
Plants have root systems that are fibrous and shallow. About 90 percent of the root mass is in the
upper 20–30 cm (8–12 in) of soil, although some lateral roots can penetrate up to 2 m (6.6 ft) deep.
The inflorescence is an unbranched and indeterminate terminal raceme measuring 50–100 cm (20–
40 in) tall, with flowers that are yellow or white. Each flower has four petals set in a perpendicular
pattern, as well as four sepals, six stamens, and a superior ovary that is two-celled and contains a
single stigma and style. Two of the six stamens have shorter filaments. The fruit is a silique that
opens at maturity through dehiscence to reveal brown or black seeds that are small and round in
shape. Self-pollination is impossible, and plants are cross-pollinated by insects. The initial leaves
form a rosette shape comprising 7 to 15 leaves, each measuring 25–35 cm (10–14 in) by 20–30 cm
(8–12 in); after this, leaves with shorter petioles develop and heads form through the leaves cupping
inward. Many shapes, colors and leaf textures are found in various cultivated varieties of cabbage.
Leaf types are generally divided between crinkled-leaf, loose-head savoys and smooth-leaf firm-head
cabbages, while the color spectrum includes white and a range of greens and purples. Oblate, round
and pointed shapes are found.
Uses
Cauliflower can be roasted, boiled, fried, steamed, or eaten raw. leaves are also edible, but are most
often discarded. The florets should be broken into similar-sized pieces so they are cooked evenly.
A high intake of cauliflower has been associated with reduced risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Cauliflower is low in fat, low in carbohydrates but high in dietary fiber, folate, water, and vitamin C,
possessing a high nutritional density. Cauliflower contains several phytochemicals, common in the
cabbage family, that may be beneficial to human health.
92
Local name: Fulkopi
Scientific name: Brassica oleracea L. ver. botrydis
Introduction
Cauliflower is one of several vegetables in the species Brassica oleracea, in the family Brassicaceae.
It is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. Typically, only the head (the white curd) is eaten. The
cauliflower head is composed of a white inflorescence meristem. Cauliflower heads resemble those
in broccoli, which differs in having flower buds. Its name is from Latin caulis (cabbage) and flower,
Brassica oleracea also includes cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, and collard greens, though
they are of different cultivar groups.
Other names
Kopi.
Flower colour is white. White cauliflower is the most common color of cauliflower. Some leaves are
surrounded the flower. There are many flower look like a single flower. Orange cauliflower (B.
oleracea L. var. botrytis) contains 25% more vitamin A than white varieties. This trait came from a
natural mutant found in a cauliflower field in Canada. Green cauliflower, of the B. oleracea botrytis
group, is sometimes called broccoflower. It is available both with the normal curd shape and a
variant spiky curd called Romanesco broccoli. The purple color in this cauliflower is caused by the
presence of the antioxidant group anthocyanins, which can also be found in red cabbage and red
wine.
Uses
Leaves used as leafy vegetable and flower used as vegetable. Sulforaphane, a compound released
when cauliflower is chopped or chewed, may protect against cancer. Indole-3-carbinol, a chemical
that enhances DNA repair, and acts as an estrogen antagonist, slowing the growth of cancer cells.
93
Local name: Olkopi
Scientific name: Brassica oleracea L. ver.
gangyloides
Introduction
Brassica oleracea is the species of plant that includes many common foods as cultivars, including
cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, savoy, and Chinese kale. In its uncultivated
form it is known as wild cabbage. It is native to coastal southern and western Europe. Its tolerance of
salt and lime and its intolerance of competition from other plants typically restrict its natural
occurrence to limestone sea cliffs, like the chalk cliffs on both sides of the English Channel.
Wild B. oleracea is a tall biennial plant, forming a stout rosette of large leaves in the first year, the
leaves being fleshier and thicker than those of other species of Brassica, adaptations to store water
and nutrients in its difficult growing environment. In its second year, the stored nutrients are used to
produce a flower spike 1 to 2 metres (3–7 ft) tall bearing numerous yellow flowers.
Other names
Kohlrabi (German turnip or turnip cabbage) (Brassica oleracea Gongylodes group) (Olkopi in
Assamese and Bengali) (Monji Haak in Kashmiri) is an annual vegetable, and is a low, stout cultivar
of cabbage.
Kohlrabi has been created by artificial selection for lateral meristem growth (a swollen, nearly
spherical shape); its origin in nature is the same as that of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale,
collard greens, and Brussels sprouts: they are all bred from, and are the same species as the wild
cabbage plant (Brassica oleracea). The taste and texture of kohlrabi are similar to those of a broccoli
stem or cabbage heart, but milder and sweeter, with a higher ratio of flesh to skin. The young stem in
particular can be as crisp and juicy as an apple, although much less sweet. Except for the Gigante
cultivar, spring-grown kohlrabi much over 5 cm in size tend to be woody, as do full-grown kohlrabi
much over perhaps 10 cm in size; the Gigante cultivar can achieve great size while remaining of
94
good eating quality. The plant matures in 55–60 days after sowing. Approximate weight is 150 g and
has good standing ability for up to 30 days after maturity.
There are several varieties commonly available, including White Vienna, Purple Vienna, Grand
Duke, Gigante, Purple Danube, and White Danube. Coloration of the purple types is superficial: the
edible parts are all pale yellow.
Uses
Kohlrabi can be eaten raw as well as cooked. The leafy greens can also be eaten.
Local name: Orohor

Scientific name: Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Orohor is a plant of Fabaceae. The cultivation of the pigeon pea goes back at least 3,500 years. The
centre of origin is the eastern part of peninsular India, including the state of Odisha, where the
closest wild relatives occur in tropical deciduous woodlands.
Other names
Arhar, Tur, Aral, Pigeon pea, kardis ,Gandule bean, tropical green pea, kadios, Congo pea, gungo
pea, gunga pea, toor dal, arhar dal,Togari bele (Kannada), kandi pappu( Telugu), Mbaazi, Flaying
(Murong); Heankhrung (Chakma); Santai (Tipra); Piang Kong (Marma), Pigeon Pea, Red Gram,
Congo Pea.
An erect bushy shrub up to 3 m high. Leaves trifoliate, leaflets oblong-lanceolate, densely silky
beneath. Flowers yellow, in loose corymbose racemes or forming a terminal panicle; Corolla three
times the calyx; standard yellow or veined with red. Pod oblong, 5-7.5 cm long, finely down
95
Cultivation
Today, pigeon peas are widely cultivated in all tropical and semitropical regions of both the old and
the New Worlds. Pigeon peas can be of a perennial variety, in which the crop can last three to five
years (although the seed yield drops considerably after the first two years), or an annual variety more
suitable for seed production. Pigeon peas are an important legume crop of rainfed agriculture in the
semiarid tropics. The crop is cultivated on marginal land by resource-poor farmers, who commonly
grow traditional medium- and long-duration (5–11 months) landraces. Short-duration pigeon peas
(3–4 months) suitable for multiple cropping have recently been developed.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout Bangladesh.
Uses
1. Leaves are used in diseases of the mouth and piles; tender leaves are chewed in cases of aphthae
and spongy gums. Juice of leaves is laxative; given in jaundice and pneumonia. The seeds are
astringent to the bowels and anthelmintic; cures ulcers of the mouth, tumours, bronchitis, heart
diseases, piles and cough. The flour from the seeds is resolvent. The poultice made with the seeds
reduces swelling. Leaves and seeds are also useful in cough, and to check secretion of mother’s milk.
Infusion of the buds, flowers and the green pods are considered pectoral. Leaf juice is prescribed in
jaundice in Kaukhali of Rangamati; it is also given along with the bark juice of Oroxylum indicum or
juice of Centella asiatica.
2. Pigeon peas are both a food crop (dried peas, flour, or green vegetable peas) and a forage/cover
crop. In combination with cereals, pigeon peas make a well-balanced human food. The dried peas
may be sprouted briefly, then cooked, for a flavor different from the green or dried peas. Sprouting
also enhances the digestibility of dried pigeon peas via the reduction of indigestible sugars that
would otherwise remain in the cooked dried peas.
96
Local name: Beth pata
Scientific name: Calamus viminalis Willd
Family: Arecaceae
Introduction
Bet (Calamus viminalis) is a perennial monocot plant under the Palm family Arecaceae.
Other names
Khorkoijja bet, Karak bet, Karath (Chakma), Riama (Murang), Hraika bathai/Hrbichuk (Tripura),
Cane blong chang (Khamu), katengparua (Hmong), wai ngamkhao, wai namhang, wai sambai, wai
mon, wai som (Thailand).
A large, climbing shrub; clustering to form dense clumps. Leaves 1.5-2m long; leaflets distinctly
grouped in fasicles, spinulose beneath; rachis and petiole with scattered short hooked spines. Spadix
very long, covered with long spathes, Fruits: globose.
Distribution
Bangladesh, (in secondary forests of Chittagong, Chittagong Hill tracts, Cox's Bazar and Sylhet),
India (South, North-central, North-east, Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Myanmar, Thailand (all
parts), Laos (all parts), Vietnam (Cochinchina and Central Annam), Cambodia, Peninsular Malaysia,
Indonesia (Java and Bali). Also probably China (North-west and South Yunnan).
Uses
Leaves used as vegetables. The cane is of moderate quality, widely used for handicrafts and
sometimes traded. Shoot edible, fruit sometimes sold for food. Ripe fruit pulps are edible (Bawm,
Chakma, Marma and Tripura). Various tools and crafts are prepared by all the tribes.
97
Local name: Ajwain pata
Scientific name: Trachyspermum ammi
Family: Apiaceae
Introduction
Trachyspermum ammi, commonly known as ajowan or ajwain, bishop's weed, ajowan caraway,
carom seeds, or thymol seeds,or vaamu in Telugu or omam in Tamil is a plant of India, Pakistan and
the Near East whose seeds are used as a spice. seeds, or thymol seeds,or vaamu in Telugu or omam
in Tamil is a plant of India, Pakistan and the Near East whose seeds are used as a spice.
Trachyspermum ammi originated in the Middle East, possibly in Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent,
but also in Iran and Afghanistan. It is sometimes used as an ingredient in berbere, a spice mixture
favored in Eritrea and Ethiopia. In India, the major producers are the states Rajasthan and Gujarat,
with Rajasthan producing about 90% of India's total output.
Other names
Bishop's weed , Carum , Ajowan , Ajowan caraway , Ajowan seed , Ajava seeds , Yavani (Sanskrit),
Ajowanj (Hindi), Omum.
The plant has a similarity to parsley. Because of their seed-like appearance, the fruit pods are
sometimes called seeds; they are egg-shaped and grayish in colour.
The 'seed' (i.e., the fruit pod) is often confused with lovage seed; even some dictionaries mistakenly
state that comes from the lovage plant. An online search for lovage seeds finds many stores calling
their ajwain seeds lovage.
98
Uses
1. It have been used extensively in Iranian folk and traditional medicine to treat several disorders like
gastrointestinal, rheumatic and inflammatory disorders. The fruits of C. copticum were also used for its
therapeutic effects such as diuretic, anti-vomiting, carminative and antihelmetic effects.
2. Bishop's weed has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an antiseptic, a spice, and a preservative,
as well as for respiratory and GI ailments. It is used in the Unani system of medicine as an enhancer
of the body's resistance. However, there are no clinical trials available to date to support these uses.
3. Trachyspermum ammi is traditionally believed to be a digestive aid. In southern parts of India, dry
Trachyspermum ammi seeds are powdered and soaked in milk, which is then filtered and fed to
babies. People in North India especially find it very effective in stomach pain, when taken in a large
spoonful with a pinch of salt and a glass of water. Its very effective when swallowed with warm
water. Ajwain is usually added to hard to digest recipes like pakoda, bajji etc.
Local name: Radhuni pata

Scientific name: Carum roxburgianum Benth.
Family: Apiaceae
Introduction
Carum roxburghianum belongs to the group of annual and biennial plants. Trachyspermum
roxburghianum (also known as Carum roxburghianum) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae.
It is grown extensively in the South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Its aromatic dried fruits,
like its close relative ajwain, are often used in Bengali cuisine but are rarely used in the rest of India.
The fresh leaves are used as an herb in Thailand and it is used medicinally in Myanmar.
Other names
Radhuni, wild celery in English. It is known as ajmod in Hindi. Ajamoda, Ajamodika,

renggirung (Sumatera), Pletikapu, Suragai, Ashamtagam.
99
The plants reach heights of 15 to 90 centimetres. Leaves: Carum roxburghianum is deciduous. The
bipinnate leaves are alternate. The leaflets are linear. Flowers and Fruits: Carum roxburghianum
produces compound umbels of light-purple five-stellate flowers from May to June. The plants
produce achenes. Herbs biennial or short lived perennial , glabrous . Taproot tuberous , fusiform ,
elongate or cylindrical. Stem usually branched above, base with or without papery remnant sheaths .
Basal leaves petiolate , narrowly sheathing ; blade 2-4-pinnate; ultimate segments linear or lanceolate.
Stem leaves gradually reduced upward. Umbels compound , terminal . Calyx teeth obsolete , rarely
present, narrowly triangular. Petals broadly obovate , white, rarely pinkish or purplish, midvein
yellow or yellow-green, base cuneate, with an inflexed apex. Stylopodium conic; styles recurved.
Fruit oblong-ellipsoid or oblong-ovoid, slightly laterally compressed , glabrous; ribs 5, filiform ,
prominent ; vittae 1(-3) in each furrow, 2-4 on commissure . Seed face plane . Carpophore 2-parted.
Cultivation
The plants prefer a sunny situation on fresh to moist soil. The substrate should be sandy-loamy or
gritty-loamy soil.
Uses
It is a very strong spice, with a characteristic smell similar to parsley and a taste similar to celery. A
couple of pinches can easily overpower a curry. In Bengali cuisine the seeds are used whole, quickly
fried in very hot oil until they crackle. They are part of a local panch phoron (Bengali five spice)
mixture, where they replace the more commonly used mustard seed; the other ingredients are cumin
seed, fenugreek seed, fennel seed, and kalonji (often wrongly called "wild onion seed," and known
locally (though erroneously) as "black cumin seed" Nigella sativa; see also Bunium persicum). In
other places, a common use is in pickles or spice mixtures.
100
Local name: Chandromollika
Scientific name: Chrysanthemum coronarium
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
Chrysanthemum coronarium is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. It is

native to the Mediterranean and East Asia. It is used as a leaf vegetable. One of the most-loved of the
common Mediterranean wildflowers, the Crown Daisy flowers throughout the region on roadsides
and in abandoned farmland. Crown Daisy is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family and flowers
from March right through until September. The flowers are usually yellow and white (as above), but
are sometimes completely yellow.
Other names
Garland chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum greens, edible chrysanthemum, chop suey green, crown
daisy, and Japanese-green, Antimonio, Kikuna, Mirabeles, Moya, Shungiku, Tangho, Tongho,
Shingiku, Choy Suey Green, Tong Hao, Crown Daisy.
Annual. Varieties cross, recommended isolation – 750m. Fine-leaved (all purpose salad/stir
fry/garnish) and broad-leaved (green veg/stir fry) varieties now available in NZ. Becoming more
common through Farmers Markets, etc. from niche Asian community toehold. Seeds freely and
establishes in nearby disturbed ground and could cross back as inferior strains.
Uses
Carotene, flavonoids, vitamins and potassium, and can offer a multitude of health benefits. Some of
the beneficial effects associated with eating garland chrysanthemum leaves include weight loss,
antioxidant protection, a reduced risk of lung cancer, as well as protection against cardiovascular
problems, kidney stones, cellulite, bloating and bone loss.
101
The plant’s greens are used in many Asian cuisines. They appear in Cantonese dishes and Hong
Kong cuisine in stews, casseroles, and hotpots. The leaves are also an important ingredient in
Taiwanese oyster omelettes and, when young, are used along with stems to flavor soup and stir-fry.
Local name: Harjore

Scientific name: Cissus quadrangularis L.
Family: Vitaceae
Introduction
Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant of the grape family. It is commonly known as Veldt Grape
or Devil's Backbone. Cissus is a genus of approximately 350 species of woody climber in the grape
family (Vitaceae). Among the most common species, Cissus antarctica and Cissus rhombifolia are
garden plants. Cissus striata is a woody wine native from South America, mainly from Chile. Cissus
species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Hype r compe e r
idanus and Hyper compeicasia, C. quadrangularis is a perennial plant of the grape family. It is
commonly known as 'Hadjodi' in Oriya which belongs to family Vitaceae.
Other names
Hadjodi, Hadjora, Harjora; Gujrati: Hadasankala; Punjabi: Hadjjor, Piranta; Tamil: Pirantai; Telgu:
Nalleru and Edible stemmed vine, Arugani, Kiritti, Pirandai, Indiravalli, Asti sandhana.
C. quadrangularis is a fleshy cactus like jointed climber with 4- winged internodes and a tendril at
some of the nodes. C. quadrangularis is a succulent shrubby climbers reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Stems sharply 4 angled, jointed at nodes, internodes are 8 to 10 cm long and 1.2 to 1.5 cm wide,
tendrils simple long and slender emerging from the opposite side of the node. Leaves simple, lamina
ovate or reniform, ±5 cm wide, crenate-serrate, base truncate-cordate; petiole ±2 cm long. Flowers is
102
umbellate cymes, pedicellate; calyx copular, slightly lobed; petals white; disk 4- angular; stamens 4.
Berries globose, ±0.7 cm in diameter, apiculate, red on ripening, 1-seeded.
Propagation
By Seeds.
Distribution
C. quadrangularis is not a very common plant. In Orissa it is found in Puri, both in the north and
common on rocks near the Chilika lake, Angul district, near villages and some what in the district of
Bargarh & Bolangir. Besides Orissa , it is distributed thoughout the hotter part of the India and Sri
Lanka to Malaysia and
Africa.
Uses
Almost entire plant is used for medicinal value. C. quadrangularis is described as follows -
1. Stem of Cissus quadrangularis Linn. is very important part of the plant and accepted as raw drug
of known properties in both Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine.Among the 'Santals' the stem
is used for bone fracture.It is useful in piles, bone fracture, pain in joints, swelling and asthma.Stem
juice is used for the treatment of Scurvy, irregular menstruation, disease of ear and nose-
bleeding.Stem paste is also useful in bone fracture, swelling, muscular pain, asthma, burns, wounds
and bites of poisonous insects.
2. Root powered is used in fractured bone, cuts.
3. Dry shoots powder is used for digestive troubles, stomachie, colonopalhy, scurvey, otorrhoea, and
asthma. Fresh shoot paste is used in burns and wound. Stem and leaf is useful in labour pain at
Bihar.Decoction of shoot along with dry ginger and black pepper is used in body pain. Shoot is used
for the treatment of piles, worm infection, stiffness in thigh muscles, chronic ulcer, colic, epilepsy,
convulsion, anorexia, skin diseases, dyspsia, indigestion, rejoin broken bones. It is used as
aphrodisiac, carminative, laxative, digestive and decoction is used as blood purifier and
immunomodulator.
103
Local name: Potol
Scientific name: Trichosanthes diota Roxb.
Introduction
Trichosanthes, a genus of family Cucurbitaceae, is an annual or perennial herb distributed in tropical
Asia and Australia. Pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) is known by a common name of
parwal and is cultivated mainly as a vegetable.
It is widely cultivated in the eastern and some northern part of India, particularly in Odisha, Bengal,
Assam, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It
also contains major nutrients and trace elements (magnesium, potassium, copper, sulfur, and
chlorine) which are needed in small quantities, for playing essential roles in human physiology.
Other names
Trichosanthes dioica is also known as the pointed gourd, Phodol (Noakhali), Koithach (Khumi),
parwal/parval (from Hindi), or potol "Paror" in Maithili, "Parol" in Magahi and "Parwal" in
Bhojpuri, Urdu and Awadhi. Colloquially, in India, it is often called green potato.
It is a vine plant, similar to cucumber and squash, though unlike those it is perennial. It is a dioecious
(male and female plants) vine (creeper) plant with heart-shaped leaves (cordate) and is grown on a
trellis. A rather extensive climber; tendrils 2-4 fid. Leaves ovate-oblong, cordate, acute, rough on
both surfaces. Flowers dioceous; male not racemed, woolly out side. Fruit oblong or nearly spherical
acute, smooth, orange red when ripe. The fruits are green with white or no stripes. Size can vary
from small and round to thick and long — 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm). It thrives well under a hot to
moderately warm and humid climate. The plant remains dormant during the winter season and
prefers a fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil due to its susceptibility to water-logging.
104
Distribution
Cultivated, mostly in the north-western districts.
Uses
1. According to Ayurveda, leaves of the plant are used as antipyretic, diuretic, cardiotonic, laxative,
antiulcer, etc. The various chemical constituents present in T. dioica are vitamin A, vitamin C,
tannins, saponins, alkaloids, mixture of noval peptides, proteins tetra and pentacyclic triterpenes, etc.
2. It is used as ingredients of soup, stew, curry, sweet, or eaten fried and as potoler dorma or dolma
(dolma) with fish, roe or meat stuffing.
3. Decoction of the leaves and coriander in equal parts is given in bilious fever as a febrifuge and
laxative. Fruits are given in stomach pain. Fruits are cooked as vegetable and fried also (Khumi).
Local name: Chicinga

Scientific name: Trichosanthes lobata Roxb.
Family: cucurbitaceae
Introduction
Trichosanthes, a genus of family Cucurbitaceae, is an annual or perennial herb distributed in tropical
Asia and Australia. The snake gourd genus, Trichosanthes, is the largest genus in the Cucurbitaceae
family, with over 90 species.
Other names
Bitter snake gourd, Wild snake gourd, Jangali cicinda, Kaypan patolam, Kattupatolam, Peppatolam.
105
An annual, slender tendril climber. Leaves simple, reniform, or ovate, some times 5 lobbed and
glabrous; flowers white, unisexual, males in axillary racemes, females axillary solitary; fruits ovoid,
fusiform berries. Green stripped with white line when immature, and scarlet red when ripe. Seeds are
round or ellipsoid, compressed.
Distribution
Throughout Bangladesh and India, in wet plants and hill sides, also cultivated.
Uses
Plant pacifies vitiated tridosha, skin diseases, ulcers, constipation, stomach pain, anorexia, flatulence,
hyperacidity, hemorrhoids, cough, fever and general debility. Induces emesis and purgation in larger
doses.
Local name: Guloncho

Scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia (Willd)
Hook. f.
Family: Menispermaceae
Introduction
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. and Thoms. (Guduchi) is a large, glabrous, deciduous
climbing shrub belonging to the family Menispermaceae.
Other names
Gurach, Gadancha, Fa Bro Noi, Kha Bru Nay (Marma); Gurach-ludhi (Chakma); Paidda gandi, Sam
rupu (Garo), Gulancha, Tinospora.

A large glabrous climber, with succulent, corky, grooved stems; branches sending down slender,
pendulous, fleshy roots. Leaves 5-10 cm or more long, roundish or subdeltoid, cordate, obtuse or
more or less cuspidate. Racemes rather lax, 5 cm long, axillary, terminal or from the old wood;
flowers small. Fruit scarlet, size of a large pea.
106
Distribution:
Barisal, Comilla, Chittagong, Dhaka, Dinajpur and other places of the country.
Uses
Leaves used as vegetables. It is a widely used plant in folk and Ayurvedic systems of medicine. The
stem is bitter stomachic, febrifuge, tonic, expectorant; stimulates bile secretion. Fresh juice of the
plant is useful in pimples, gonorrhoea, cough, fever, skin affections, cardiac problems, rheumatism,
haemoptysis, colic, jaundice, burning sensation and dropsy. Powder made into infusion used as an
alterative and aphrodisiac. Stem and leaves are used for the treatment of acidity, jaundice, burning
urination and fatigue combined with paleness. Starch from roots and stems are nutrient; used in
chronic diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. Hot decoction of the leaf and stem is used by Marma to
wash scabies. Stem is given in gastritis in Khagrachari. Water extract of the stem is given as a bath to
the patients of small-pox, measles, fever and skin diseases by the Garo tribe of Madhupur.
Ethanolic extract of the roots induces protective action against stress-induced ulceration. Plant
extract caused reduction in fasting blood sugar in rabbits and rats.
Local name: Berela

Scientific name: Sida cordifolia L.
Family: Malvaceae
Introduction
Sida cordifolia is a perennial subshrub of the mallow family Malvaceae native to India. It has
naturalized throughout the world, and is considered an invasive weed in Africa, Australia, the
southern United States, Hawaiian Islands, New Guinea, and French Polynesia. The specific name,
cordifolia, refers to the heart-shaped leaf.
107
Bala is important medicinal plant of Ayurvedic system of medicine. Previous works have reported
presence of ephedrine in Bala although it has not been reported in other varieties of Bala. Extracts of
Sida cordifolia standardized to ephedrine are available in the Indian as well as international market.
Other names
Bala, country mallow, heart-leaf sida or flannel weed.
S. cordifolia is an erect perennial that reaches 50 to 200 cm (20 to 79 in) tall, with the entire plant
covered with soft white felt-like hair that is responsible for one of its common names, "flannel
weed". The stems are yellow-green, hairy, long, and slender. The yellow-green leaves are oblong-
ovate, covered with hairs, and 3.5 to 7.5 cm (1.4 to 3.0 in) long by 2.5 to 6 cm (0.98 to 2.36 in) wide.
The flowers are dark yellow, sometimes with a darker orange center, with a hairy 5-lobed calyx and
5-lobed corolla. As a weed, it invades cultivated and overgrazed fields, competing with more desired
species and contaminating hay.
Uses
S. cordifolia is used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used in neurological ailments,especially in Stroke

rehabilitation. Known as "malva branca", it is a plant used in Brazilian folk medicine for the
treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, blenorrhea, asthmatic bronchitis and nasal congestion,
stomatitis, of asthma and nasal congestion and in many parts of Africa for various ailments,
particularly for respiratory problems. It has been investigated as an anti-inflammatory, for preventing
cell proliferation, and for encouraging liver re-growth. Due to its ephedrine content, it possesses
psychostimulant properties, affecting the central nervous system and also the heart.
A 50% ethanolic extract of Sida cordifolia tested on rats showed potent antioxidant and
antiinflammatory activity comparable with the standard drug deprenyl.
The plant has demonstrated anti-pyretic and anti-ulcerogenic properties. The aqueous extract of Sida
cordifolia stimulates liver regeneration in rats.
108
Local name: Borboti
Scientific name: Vigna sinensis Endl. ex. Hassk.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of several species of the widely cultivated genus Vigna.
Cowpeas are one of the most important food legume crops in the semiarid tropics covering Asia,
Africa, southern Europe and Central and South America. A drought-tolerant and warm-weather crop,
cowpeas are well-adapted to the drier regions of the tropics, where other food legumes do not
perform well. It also has the useful ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules, and it
grows well in poor soils with more than 85% sand and with less than 0.2% organic matter and low
levels of phosphorus.
Other names
Karamani, or Thatta Payir, thatta kaai, jhudunga, barboti kolai, Alasande, Alasandalu, Bobbarlu,
lobhia or bura (when used as a string bean), chola or chowla, chawali or chavali.

A large glabrous climber, with succulent, corky, grooved stems; branches sending down slender,
pendulous, fleshy roots. Leaves 5-10 cm or more long, roundish or subdeltoid, cordate, obtuse or
more or less cuspidate. Flowers small. Fruit is long, slender bearing mant seeds.
Uses
These farmers not only use the beans for human consumption and animal feed, but also use the
leaves and fruits for cooking. Cowpeas are widely grown in East Africa and Southeast Asia,
primarily as a leafy vegetable. In Tamilnadu, India, between the Tamil months of Maasi (February)
and Panguni (March), a cake-like dish called kozhukattai (steamed sweet dumplings - also called
adai in Kerala) is prepared with cooked and mashed cowpeas mixed with jaggery, ghee, and other
109
ingredients. Thatta payir in sambar and pulikkuzhambu (spicy semisolid gravy in tamarind paste) is a
popular dish in Tamil Nadu.
In Sri Lanka, cowpea are cooked in many different ways, one of which is with coconut milk.
In Turkey, cowpeas can be lightly boiled, covered with olive oil, salt, thyme, and garlic sauce, and
eaten as an appetizer. Also, they are cooked with garlic and tomatoes. And they can be eaten in bean
salad.
Local name: Goallota

Scientific name: Vitis setosa Wall.
Family: Vitaceae
Introduction
Vitis (grapevines) is a genus of about 60 species of vining plants in the flowering plant family
Vitaceae. The genus is made up of species predominantly from the Northern hemisphere. It is
economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for
fermentation to produce wine. The study and cultivation of grapevines is called viticulture.
Other names
edible-stemmed vine, Sanskrit: asthisonhara; vajravalli Hindi: hadjod; hadjora; harsankari. Bengali:
hasjora; harbhanga. Marathi: chaudhari; kandavela. Gujrati: chadhuri; vedhari, Telugu: nalleru.
Tamil: pirandai, Canarese: mangaroli

Climbing herb, tendrils simple, opposite to the leaves, leaves simple or lobbed, sometimes 3-
folialate, dentate. Flowers bisexual, tetramerous, in umbellate cymes, opposite to the leaves, Calyx
cup-shaped, obscurely 4-lobed. Fruit globose or obovoid fleshy berries, one seeded, dark purple to
black; seeds ellipsoid or pyriform. Flowering and fruiting time May-June. Vitis is distinguished from
other genera of Vitaceae by having petals which remain joined at the tip and detach from the base to
110
fall together as a calyptra or 'cap'. The flowers are unisexual or modified to act functionally as
unisexual, they are pentamerous with a hypogynous disk. The calyx is greatly reduced or nonexistent
in most species and the petals are joined at the summit into one unit but separated at the base. Flower
buds are formed later in the growing season and overwinter for blooming in spring of the next year.
There are two types of flowers produced, sterile flowers with five long filaments and erect stamens
with undeveloped pistils and fertile flowers with well-developed pistils and that have five
undeveloped reflexed stamens. The fruit is a berry, normally produced with four or less per flower by
way of aborted embryos, ovoid in shape and juicy.
Distibution
All over Bangladesh. In India, it grow as wild plant. Also under cultivation in fairly large areas.
Uses
Leaves are used as vegetables. It is also used for piles, asthma, digestive troubles, cough, and loss of
appetite.
Local name: Mohavringoraj

Scientific name: Wedelia calendulacea Less.
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
Wedelia is a flowering plant genus in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. They are one of the genera
commonly called "creeping-oxeyes".
Habitat
Roadsides and gardens

A perennial herb 0.35-0.9.5 m high; stem procumbent at the base and rooting at the lower nodes,
terete, more or less appressedly hairy. Leaves opposite, subsessile, 2.6-7.6 by 1-2.9 cm; lanceolate-
oblong, entire or irregularly crenate-serrate, scabrous with short white hairs or at length more or less
glabrate, base lapering. Heads 2-3.3 cm diam.; solitary; peduncles 2.5-15 cm long, erect, slender,
111
slightly theckened beneath the heads. Involucral bracts herbaceous, oblong or slightly obovate, hairy,
subobtuse, much longer than the disk flowers. Ray-flower ligulate, ligules yellow, 2-3 toothed. Style-
arms of female flowers long, acute, recurved. Pappus a toothed membranous cup. Achenes of the ray
tapering, slightly pubescent.
Propagation
Propagated by seeds and cutting.
Distribution
Rajshahi, Chapainawabgonj, Naogaon, Natore, Bogra, Joypurhat. Throuhgout India. All hot
countries.
Uses
The leaves applied to wounds act as a styptic and heal them quickly. The juice of the root is said to
possess antilithic properties. The plant is applied externally in ague; the juice is said to be a good
remedy for prolapsus ani. The leaves and stems are also used in skin diseases, more partcularly
leprosy; and they are prescribed as a bath to patients with ecchymoses. A poultice of the leaves is
applied on boils; it is said to prevent tetanus if applied to a wound. A cold decoction of the roots is
used as a lotion in purulent opthalmia.
Local name: Kantanote

Scientific name: Amaranthus spinosus
Introduction
Amaranthus spinosus, commonly known as the spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth or thorny
amaranth. It is native to the tropical Americas, but it is present on most continents as an introduced
species and sometimes a noxious weed. It can be a serious weed of rice cultivation in Asia.
Uses
112
Like several related species, Amaranthus spinosus is a valued food plant in Africa. It is valued also
in Thailand, where it is called Phak Khohm. In Tamil it is called 'mullik keerai'.In Sanskrit it is
called Tanduliyaka. it is used as food in the Philippines where it is called Kulitis. The leaves of this
plant, known as massaagu in Dhivehi, have been used in the diet of the Maldives for centuries in
dishes such as mas huni.
Local name: Kashari shak

Scientific name: Lathyrus sativus
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Lathyrus sativus is a legume (family Fabaceae) commonly grown for human consumption
and livestock feed in Asia and East Africa. It is a particularly important crop in areas that are prone
to drought and famine, and is thought of as an 'insurance crop' as it produces reliable yields when all
other crops fail. The seeds contain a neurotoxin that causes a neurodegenerative disease when the
seeds are consumed as a primary protein source for a prolonged period.
Other names
Grass pea, blue sweet pea, chickling vetch, Indian pea, Indian vetch, white
vetch, almorta or alverjón (Spain), guixa (Catalonia), chícharos (Portugal), cicerchia (Italy), sebere
(Eritrea), guaya (Ethiopia), and khesari (India).
Uses
Seed is sold for human consumption at markets in Florence. Consumption of this pulse in Italy is
limited to some areas in the middle part of the country, and is steadily declining. Flour made from
grass peas (Spanish: almorta) is the main ingredient for the gachas manchegas or gachas de almorta.
113
Accompaniments for the dish vary throughout La Mancha. This is an ancient Manchego
cuisine staple, generally consumed during the cold winter months. The dish is generally eaten
directly out of the pan it was cooked in, using either a spoon or a simple slice of bread. This dish is
commonly consumed immediately after removing it from the fire, being careful not to burn one's lips
or tongue.
Grass pea flour is exceedingly difficult to obtain outside of Castile-La Mancha, especially in its pure
form. Commercially available almorta flour is mixed with wheat flour due to the fact that grass peas
are toxic if consumed in significantly large quantities for prolonged periods of time.
Local name: Nunia shak/nonte shak

Scienfic name: Portulaca oleracea
Family: Portulacaceae
Introduction
Portulaca oleracea (common purslane, also known as verdolaga, pigweed, little hogweed, or pursley,
and moss rose) is an annual succulent in the family Portulacaceae, which may reach 40 cm in height.
Approximately forty varieties currently are cultivated. The species status in the New World is
uncertain: in general, it is considered an exotic weed, however, there is evidence that the species was
in Crawford Lake deposits (Ontario) in 1430-89 AD, suggesting that it reached North America in
the pre-Columbian era.

It is naturalised elsewhere and in some regions is considered an invasive weed. It has smooth,
reddish, mostly prostrate stems and alternate leaves clustered at stem joints and ends. The
yellow flowers have five regular parts and are up to 6 mm wide. Depending upon rainfall, the
flowers appear at anytime during the year. The flowers open singly at the center of the leaf cluster
for only a few hours on sunny mornings. Seeds are formed in a tiny pod, which opens when the seeds
are mature. Purslane has a taproot with fibrous secondary roots and is able to tolerate poor,
compacted soils and drought.
114
Uses
Leaves used as vegetable. In traditional Chinese medicine, its active constituents
include: noradrenaline, calcium salts, dopamine, DOPA, malic acid, citric acid, glutamic
acid, asparagic acid, nicotinic acid, alanine, glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Betacyanins isolated
from Portulaca oleracea improved cognition deficits in aged mice. A rare subclass of
Homoisoflavonoids, from the plant, showed in vitro cytotoxic activities towards four human cancer
cell lines. Use is contraindicated during pregnancy and for those with cold and weak
digestion. Purslane is a clinically effective treatment for oral lichen planus, and its leaves are used to
treat insect or snake bites on the skin,[14] boils, sores, pain from bee stings, bacillary
dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, postpartum bleeding, and intestinal bleeding.
Portulaca oleracea efficiently removes bisphenol A, an endocrine-disrupting chemical, from a
hydroponic solution. How this happens is unclear.
Local name: Purnima shak

Scientific name: Boerhaavia repens
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Introduction
Boerhavia, the spiderlings or hogweeds, is a genus of about
40 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the four o'clock flower family, Nyctaginaceae.
The common name refers to the appearance of a spider or spider's web given by the numerous long,
slender and interlocking stems of the inflorescences. The genus was named for Herman Boerhaave,
a Dutch botanist, and the genus name is frequently misspelled "Boerhaavia". They are native to
mostly warm tropical areas. Boerhavia diffusa is a species of flowering plant in the four o'clock
family which is commonly known as punarnava (meaning that which rejuvenates or renews the
body), red spiderling, spreading hogweed or tarvine. It is taken inherbal medicine for pain relief and
other uses.
115
Uses
Boerhavia diffusa can be used as a fodder for livestock, but has the potential for contaminating seed
stocks, and may harbor pathogens for certain crops, such as eggplants. The leaves of B. diffusa are
often used as a green vegetable.
Local name: Mankochu

Scientific name: Alocasia indica Schott.
Family: Araceae
Introduction
Alocasia indica is a species of flowering plant in the arum family, Araceae, that it is native to
rainforests from Malaysia to Queensland and has long been cultivated on many Pacific islands and
elsewhere in the tropics. It is edible if cooked for a long time but its sap irritates the skin due to
calcium oxalate crystals, or raphides which are needle like. Alocasia species are commonly found in
marketplaces in Samoa and Tonga and other parts of Polynesia. The varieties recognized in Tahiti
are the Ape oa, haparu, maota, and uahea. The giant heart-shaped leaves make impromptu umbrellas
in tropical downpours.
Other names
Manaka, Vern. Mankachu, Beng. Mankanda, Hind, Giant Taro and Elephant Ear Taro.
Description of the plantt

It is a tall succulent herbaceous plant that can reach up to 4.5 m. It has a large elongated stem. The
leaves are huge about 0.9 m. long and generally arrow shaped, with shallow and rounded lobes. The
leaves point upwards forming a straight line with the main axis of the petiole. They have a
conspicuous mid-rib and are green in colour. The spathe a glaucous, yellowish-green blade. Two
ovules are one to a few in each ovary cell in sub basal placenta. The leaves nearly placente.
116
Uses
The underground stems of Alocasia indica constitute a valu-able and important vegetable of native
dietary. Used in treatment of influenza, high fever, diarrhea, tuberculosis.
Local name: Chinabadam pata

Scientific name: Arachis hypogea L.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
The peanut, or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), is a species in the legume or "bean" family
(Fabaceae). The peanut was probably first domesticated and cultivated in the valleys of Paraguay.
Other names
Peanuts are known by many other local names such as earthnuts, ground nuts, goober peas, monkey
nuts, pygmy nuts and pig nuts. Despite its name and appearance, the peanut is not a nut, but rather a
legume.
It is an annual herbaceous plant growing 30 to 50 cm (1.0 to 1.6 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite,
pinnate with four leaflets (two opposite pairs; no terminal leaflet); each leaflet is 1 to 7 cm (⅜ to 2¾
in) long and 1 to 3 cm (⅜ to 1 inch) across. The flowers are a typical peaflower in shape, 2 to 4 cm
(0.8 to 1.6 in) (¾ to 1½ in) across, yellow with reddish veining. The specific name, hypogaea means
"under the earth"; after pollination, the flower stalk elongates, causing it to bend until the ovary
touches the ground. Continued stalk growth then pushes the ovary underground where the mature
fruit develops into a legume pod, the peanut – a classical example of geocarpy. Pods are 3 to 7 cm
(1.2 to 2.8 in) long, containing 1 to 4 seeds.
Cultivation
117
The orange-veined, yellow-petaled, pea-like flower of the Arachis hypogaea is borne in axillary
clusters above ground. Following self-pollination, the flowers fade and wither. Peanuts grow best in
light, sandy loam soil. They require five months of warm weather, and an annual rainfall of 500 to
1,000 mm (20 to 39 in) or the equivalent in irrigation water. The pods ripen 120 to 150 days after the
seeds are planted. If the crop is harvested too early, the pods will be unripe. If they are harvested late,
the pods will snap off at the stalk, and will remain in the soil. They need an acidic soil to grow
preferably with 5.9-7 pH. Harvesting occurs in two stages In mechanized systems, a machine is used
to cut off the main root of the peanut plant by cutting through the soil just below the level of the
peanut pods. The machine lifts the "bush" from the ground and shakes it, then inverts the bush,
leaving the plant upside down on the ground to keep the peanuts out of the soil. This allows the
peanuts to dry slowly to a bit less than a third of their original moisture level over a period of three to
four days. Traditionally, peanuts were pulled and inverted by hand. After the peanuts have dried
sufficiently, they are threshed, removing the peanut pods from the rest of the bush.
Uses
Seeds yield a non-drying, edible oil, used in cooking, margarines, salads, canning, for deep-frying,
for shortening in pastry and bread, and for pharmaceuticals, soaps, cold creams, pomades and
lubricants, emulsions for insect control, and fuel for diesel engines. The oil cake, a high-protein
livestock feed, may be used for human consumption. Other products include dyes, ice cream,
massage oil, paints, and peanut milk. Seeds are eaten raw, whole roasted and salted, or chopped in
confectioneries, or ground into peanut butter. Young pods may be consumed as a vegetable. Young
leaves and tips are suitable as a cooked green vegetable They can be eaten raw, used in recipes, made
into solvents and oils, medicines, textile materials, and peanut butter, as well as many other uses.
Salted peanuts are usually roasted in oil and packed in retail-size plastic bags or hermetically sealed
cans. Dry roasted salted peanuts are also marketed in significant quantities. Peanuts are often a major
ingredient in mixed nuts because of their relative cost compared to Brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts,
and so on. Although peanut butter has been a tradition on camping trips and the like because of its
high protein content and because it resists spoiling for long periods of time, the primary use of
peanut butter is in the home. Large quantities are also used in the commercial manufacture of
sandwiches, candy, and bakery products.
118
Local name: Oporajita
Scientific name: Clitoria ternetea L.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Clitoria ternatea, common names including butterfly-pea, blue-pea, and cordofan-pea, is a plant
species belonging to the Fabaceae family. The flowers of this vine have the shape of human female
genitals, hence the Latin name of the genus "Clitoria", from "clitoris". (Synonyms: Clitoris
principissae.). Clitoria is a genus of flowering plants that are insect pollinated.
Other names
Butterfly pea (Australia), Kordofan pea (the Sudan), campanilla (Panama), zapatillo de la reina (El
Salvador), papito, bejuco de conchitas (Puerto Rico), pokindang (the Philippines).
Habitat
Common on waysides, thickets, scrub jungles. Widely cultivated in the tropics. Plains from the coast
to 900 m. Probably a native of South America.
Flower: Solitary or in clusters; deep blue, occasionally white. Flowering from March-May. Fruit: A
linear, oblong pod, compressed, apically beaked; seeds 10-15, reniform. Fruiting throughout the year.
Field tips: Branchlets appressed-tomentose. Bracteoles very large, persistent. Leaf Arrangement:
alternate distichous. Leaf type: imparipinnate. Leaf Shape: ovate. Leaf apex: obtuse. Leaf base:
obtuse. Leaf margin: entire
Distribution
This plant is native to tropical equatorial Asia, but has been introduced to Africa, Australia and
America
119
Propagation
Seed is sown in spring to midsummer at 1 to 3 kg./ha on a well prepared seed bed at a depth of 1.5 to
4 cm and lightly covered. Can be planted on stakes for seed production. Contains up to 20 percent
hard seed depending on the season in which it is produced. Dormancy can be broken by treatment
with concentrated sulphuric acid of sp. gr. 1.8 for 20 minutes (Prodonoff, 1968); or by soaking for 12
hours in water, followed by 12 hours in a freezer at15°C, then defrosted for planting (Lambert,
personal communication). Parbery (1967a) obtained no response to a nitrogen application of 100
kg./ha in the Kimberleys (northern Australia). Seeds are usually harvested by hand. Has good
seedling vigour and grows rapidly in warm moist weather, producing a dense cover four to six
months after seeding; suppresses weeds very well.
Uses
1. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for centuries as a memory enhancer, nootropic,
antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing and sedative agent. Roots and
seeds are used in traditional medicine. An infusion or herbal tea is prepared by boiling the fresh
petals with water.
2. Indigenous Information: A mixture of flower and milk taken orally to reduce body heat. The root
paste is used as a cure for snake bite. A good fodder for cattle.
Local name: Atoshi

Scientific name: Crotalaria retusaa L. (legum)
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Crotalaria is a genus of herbaceous plants and woody shrubs in the Family Fabaceae (Subfamily
Faboideae) commonly known as rattlepods. Some 600 or more species of Crotalaria are described
worldwide, mostly from the tropics; at least 500 species are known from Africa. Some species of
Crotalaria are grown as ornamentals. The common name rattlepod or rattlebox is derived from the
120
fact that the seeds become loose in the pod as they mature, and rattle when the pod is shaken. The
name derives from the castanet", and is the same root as the name for the rattlesnakes (Crotalus).
Crotalaria species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including
Endoclita sericeus, Etiella zinckenella and Utetheisa ornatrix. The toxic alkaloids produced by some
members of this genus are known to be incorporated by Utetheisia larvae and used to secure their
defense from predators.
Other names
Wedge-leaf Rattlepod, Rattleweed, Shak-shak, Rattlebox, Wedge-leaf.
Description of plant
The stems are erect, slightly ridged, and pubescent. The leaves are alternate, simple, oblanceolate, up
to 9 cm long and 1–4 cm in width, with the lower surfaces shortly pubescent; there are 5–8 veins on
each side of the midrib. The apex of the leaves is rounded, or occasionally acute, usually retuse, with
the base cuneate. The petioles are anything up to 3 mm long, and there are tiny stipules, only half a
millimetre in length. The flowers are borne in a terminal raceme; they are typical pea flowers, yellow
with fine purple lines near the base. The standard is about 1.5 cm long and 2 cm wide, the wings
oblong-lanceolate, about 1.5 cm long by 1 cm wide; the keel petals short, the beak twisted, the
margins ciliate. The seed pods are inflated, green, maturing to dark brown or black, 3–4 cm long,
with the 20-or-so tan to black seeds in each pod.
Uses
Leaves used as a leafy vegetable. Being a legume, it does fix its own nitrogen from the atmosphere,
and so can grow in very poor soils.
Local name: Telakucha

Scientific name: Coccinea cordifolia (L.) Cogn.
121
Introduction
Telacucha is apopular plant in Bangladesh as leafy vegetables belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae.
Other names
Scarlet gourd.
Habitat
Road side of the wet zone.

Plant perennial. dioecious. Stems slender, herbaceous, angled, glabrous, becoming woody with
papery bark; tendrils simple. Leaves petiolate; lamina 3—10.5 x 3—10 cm, very varied in shape or
outline but generally broadly ovate-cordate basal sinus wide, shallowly to deeply palmately 3—5-
lobed, lobes acute or more frequently obtuse, rounded, subentire to sinuate-dentate or occasionally
with secondary marginal lobing, terminal lobe markedly mucronate. densely scabrid above, less so
beneath, or subglabrous on both surfaces. Petiole (0.5—)1—2.5(—3.5) cm long. Flowers solitary or
more rarely in pairs. white. short-to-long pedunculate; calyx tube campanulate, limb 5-lobed, lobes c.
3 x 0.75 mm long, linear-oblong, glabrous, spreading or subreflexed; corolla up to 3 cm long,
campanulate, shortly crisped hairy without, villous within, 5-lobed to about midway, lobes long,
lanceolate. Male peduncle up to 6 cm long, glabrous, jointed just below flower. Female peduncle c. 6
mm long in flower, extending to c. 2 cm long in fruit. Fruit to 8 cm long, oblong- ovoid, fleshy,
scarlet. Seeds numerous, 7 x 3 mm, narrowly subreniform or oblong-ovoid, compressed, densely
fawn-tomentose.
Distribution
Bangladesh, Nepal, Major parts of India, Mayanmar, Sri Lanka, Malayasia, China, Africa, Japan,
Uses
It is edible fruit that is used as vegetable. Juice of the plant is used in diabetes. It is also used in
anorexia, epulepsy, asthma, fever, dropsy, catarrh and gonorrhoea. Leaves are externally used in skin
eruptions. The fruit is aphrodisiac; allays thirst; useful in biliosness and disease of the blood. The
plant has the reputation effect in reducing the among of sugar in the urine of patients suffering from
diabetes mellitus. Fresh juice of leaves, stem and root produces no reduction sugar in the blood or
urine of patients suffering from glycosuria. Fruit, and leaves are prescribed in the treatment of snake
bite.
122
Local name: Mukhikochu
Scientific name: Colocasia antiquorum Schott.
Family: Araceae
Introduction
Colocasia is a genus of 25 or more species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to
tropical Polynesia and southeastern Asia. Elephant-ear and Cocoyam are also used for some other
large-leaved genera in the Araceae, notably Xanthosoma and Caladium. The generic name is derived
from the ancient Greek word kolokasion which in the Greek botanist Dioscorides (1st century AD)
meant the edible roots of both Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera. It is thought that the edible
roots of Colocasia esculenta have been cultivated in Asia for more than ten thousand years.
Other names
Elephant-ear, Taro, Cocoyam, Dasheen, Chembu, and Eddoe.
Habitat
Growing in wetland.
Perennial evergreen herbs with stout tuber. Leaves 2-3 or more, green, ovate, 20-50 cm long, apex
short acuminate, lateral veins 4, up to margins; petiole 20-90 cm long. Inflorescences solitary. Spathe
ca. constricted 20 cm long, tube green, 4 cm long, 2.2 cm wide, longellipsoid. spadix ca. 10 cm long,
flowers unisexual, female portion, 3-3.5 cm long, 1.2 cm wide, conic, sterile portion slender, 3-3.3
cm long, male portion 4-4.5 cm long, 7 mm wide, cylinder; appendix short, ca. 1 cm long. The
elephant's-ear plant gets its name from the leaves, which are shaped like a large ear or shield. The
plant reproduces mostly by means of rhizomes (tubers, corms) but it also produces "clusters of two to
five fragrant inflorescenes in the leaf axils". Like other members of the family, the plant contains an
irritant which causes intense discomfort to the lips, mouth and throat. This acridity is caused in part
by microscopic needle like raphides of calcium oxalate monohydrate and in part by another
123
chemical, probably a protease. The acridity helps to naturally deter herbivores from eating it. It must
be processed by cooking, soaking or fermenting - sometimes along with an acid (lime or tamarind)
before being eaten.
Cultivation
C. esculenta and other members of the genus are cultivated as ornamental plants, or for their edible
corms, a traditional starch staple in many tropical areas. The plant can be grown in the ground or in
large containers. They are grown outside year-round in subtropical and tropical areas. In temperate
regions, they are planted out for the summer and dug up and stored over winter, dry and with
ventilation to prevent fungal infection. They can be grown in almost any temperature zone as long as
the summer is warm. Growth is best at temperatures between 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F). The plants
can be damaged if temperatures fall below 10 °C (50 °F) for more than a few days. The root tuber is
typically planted close to the surface. The first signs of growth will appear in 1 to 3 weeks. The adult
plant will need a minimum of at least 1 m2 (11 sq ft) of space for good growth. They do best in
compost-rich soil and in shade, but will grow reasonably well in average soil provided it is moisture-
retentive. The plants should not be left to go dry for too long; if this does happen, the leaves will wilt;
watering will allow the plant to recover if done before they get too dry. Periodic fertilisation (every 3
to 4 weeks) with a common plant fertiliser will increase yields.
Distribution
Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum is native in tropical Asia, cultivated and escaped in N and S of
China and throughout in Bangladesh.
Uses
The corn and leaves of Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum are edible. Corms of the small round
variety are peeled and boiled. Its leaves are rich in vitamins. It is also as an ornamental aquatic plant.
The edible types are grown in the South Pacific and eaten like potatoes and known as taro, eddoe,
and dasheen. The leaves are often boiled with coconut milk to make a soup which is rich in iron. In
the Indian subcontinent both roots and leaves are used. In Manipur, the leaves are used to make one
of the type of a manipuri ethnic cuisine, locally known as Utti (pronounce as ootti).
124
Local name: Kanshira
Scientific name: Commelina bengalensis
Family: Commelinaceae
Introduction
Commelina benghalensis, commonly known as the Benghal dayflower or tropical spiderwort, is a

perennial herb native to tropical Asia and Africa. It has been widely introduced to areas outside its
native range, including to the neotropics, Hawaii, the West Indies and to both coasts of North
America. It flowers from spring into the fall and is often associated with disturbed soils.
In both it native range and areas where it has been introduced it is usually considered a weed,
sometimes a serious one. In the United States it has been placed on the Federal Noxious Weed List.
It is considered a moderate weed of rice cultivation in Asia. In its native range of sub-Saharan
Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and much of Southeast Asia, it is considered a serious weed of an enormous
range of crops from tea and coffee to cassava and peanuts. Additional agricultural damage is caused
by the fact that it can host the nematode Meloidogyne incognita and the Groundnut rosette virus In
China it is used as a medicinal herb that is said to have diuretic, febrifugal and anti-inflammatory
effects, while in Pakistan it is used to cure swellings of the skin, leprosy and as a laxative.
Other names
Day flower, Dew flower, Kanchara, Kaua-kaini, Kanuraka.
Annual or perennial, terrestrial, prostrate herb, 30—150 cm long, stolons present or absent, rooting at
nodes. Roots white or brown, fibrous. Stem round, solid, hairy. Bracts (spathe) subtending the
inflorescence, fused at the base, funnel-shaped, about 1.5cm long and wide shortly pedunculate.
External surfaces of the spathe with white hairs. Stipules absent. Leaves evenly distributed on the
stem, simple, not lobed or divided, alternate, stalked, lanceolate to elliptic or ovate, glabrous on both
sides, margin entire, apex acute, base clasping or obtuse, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present,
125
rounded in cross section, hairy. Flowers bisexual, 3-merous, terminal or axillary, inflorescense few-
flowered, petals 3, blue. Fruit a capsule, opening by 3 valves. First leaves elliptic, 3 cm long and 2
cm wide, base attenuated into a petiole. Undulated margin pubescent lamina and parallel nerves.
Distribution
Commelina benghalensis is a wide-ranging plant, being native to tropical and subtropical Asia and
Africa, an area otherwise known as the paleotropics.
Uses
The plant is used medicinally as a diuretic, febrifuge and anti-inflammatory. According to Ayurveda,
it is bitter and useful in treatment of leprosy, and nervous system related disorders. Although a weed
in crop, dayflower is a useful forage plant in Indonesia and Philippines.
Leaves are used as human food, as medicine for infected wounds, for treating sterility and as
mucilage for treating burns, sore eyes and sore throats.
In Philippines and India, the whole plants is considered demulcent, laxative and astringent, and
applied for strangury. In Taiwan the aerial parts are used as a maturative poultice.
Local name: Sada pat

Scientific name: Corchorus capsularis L.
Family: Malvaceae
Introduction
Corchorus is a genus of about 40–100 species of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, native to
tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Different common names are used in different
contexts, with jute applying to the fiber produced from the plant, and mallow-leaves for the leaves
used as a vegetable
Other names
126
Path, Jew’s mallow, jute mallow, krinkrin, tossa jute, bush okra, West African sorrel (En), jute
potager, mauve des Juifs, craincrain, krinkrin (Fr). Coreté, caruru da Bahia (Po). Mlenda (Sw), jute,
gunny, Calcutta hemp, juta.
Erect annual herb up to 2(–4) m tall, usually strongly branched; stems reddish, fibrous and tough.
Leaves alternate, simple; stipules narrowly triangular with long point; petiole (0.5–)1–7 cm long;
blade narrowly ovate, ovate or elliptical, 4–15(–20) cm × 2–5(–11) cm, cuneate or obtuse and with
setaceous appendages up to 2.5 cm long at base, acuminate to acute at apex, margin serrate or crenate,
almost glabrous, usually shiny dark green, 3–7-veined from the base. Inflorescence a 1–4-flowered
axillary fascicle, bracteate. Flowers bisexual, regular, usually 5-merous, shortly stalked; sepals free,
narrowly obovate, 5–7 mm long; petals free, obovate, 5–7 mm long, yellow, caducous; stamens
numerous; ovary superior, usually 5-celled, style short. Fruit a cylindrical capsule up to 7(–10) cm
long, ribbed, with a short beak, usually dehiscing by 5 valves, many-seeded. Seeds angular, 1–3 mm
long, dark grey. Seedling with epigeal germination; hypocotyl 1–2 cm long; cotyledons foliaceous,
broadly elliptical to circular, 3–8 mm long.
Distribution
The plant is extensively cultivated in tropical countries. Bangladesh, China (Anhui, Fujian,
Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Taiwan,
Yunnan, Zhejiang), India (Bengale), Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri
Lanka. Middle-East, North Africa.
Uses
Young fresh leaves eaten as vegetable in various parts of the world - Bangladesh, Middle East,
Africa, SE Asia. It is considered a tonic, leaves are used as a condiment, commonly added to the
daily diet of rice. In Japan, considered a health food item, dried leaves sometimes used as a substitute
for coffee and tea. Leaves sometimes used as condiment. Leaves are used for headaches. Seeds,
either as power or decoction, used as tonic, carminative and febrifuge. In Bengal, decoction of dried
leaves used for disorders of the liver. Malays use a decoction of the leaves for dysentery, for coughs
and phthisis, and as a tonic for children. Also, used for poulticing sores. Leaves used as stomachic.
Finely carded fiber sometimes used as base for antiseptic surgical dressings. Infusion of leaves used
for atonic dyspepsia, liver disorders and as febrifuge. Also used for chronic cystitis, gonorrhea,
dysuria, worms in children, hepatic and intestinal colic, and for gastric catarrh. Cold infusion of the
leaves as a bitter tonic; used in patients recovering from acute dysentery. A compound infusion of
the leaves with coriander and anis seed used as an effective bitter, stomachic and tonic. Fruits used
127
by Sino-Annamites for inflammation, abscesses and as purgative. In Bengal, oil from the seeds used
for skin diseases.
Local name: Dhonia

Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum L.
Family: Apiaceae
Introduction
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual
herb in the family Apiaceae. Coriander is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and North
Africa to southwestern Asia.
Other names
Dhonia, Cilantro, Chinese parsley or Dhania.
It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm (20 in) tall. The leaves are variable in shape, broadly lobed at the
base of the plant, and slender and feathery higher on the flowering stems. The flowers are borne in
small umbels, white or very pale pink, asymmetrical, with the petals pointing away from the centre
of the umbel longer (5–6 mm) than those pointing toward it (only 1–3 mm long). The fruit is a
globular, dry schizocarp 3–5 mm (0.12–0.20 in) in diameter.
Uses
Although sometimes eaten alone, the seeds often are used as a spice or an added ingredient in other
foods. All parts of the plant are edible, but the fresh leaves and the dried seeds are the parts most
traditionally used in cooking. The leaves are variously referred to as coriander leaves, The dry fruits
are known as coriander seeds. The seeds do provide significant amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium,
and manganese. Coriander, like many spices, contains antioxidants, which can delay or prevent the
128
spoilage of food seasoned with this spice. A study found both the leaves and seed to contain
antioxidants, but the leaves were found to have a stronger effect. Coriander has been used as a folk
medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia. Coriander has been documented as a traditional
treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Local name: Kumra

Scientific name: Cucurbita pepo
Introduction
Cucurbita pepo is a cultivated plant of the genus Cucurbita. It yields varieties of winter squash and
pumpkin, but the most widespread varieties belong to Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo, called summer
squash. It has been domesticated in the New World for thousands of years. The Zuni people have
several uses for this plant. Some authors maintain that Cucurbita pepo is derived from Cucurbita
texana, while others suggest that C. texana is merely feral C. pepo. They have a wide variety of uses,
especially as a food source and for medical conditions. C. pepo seems to more closely related to
Cucurbita fraterna though there are disagreements about the exact nature of that connection too.
Other names
Pumpkin, Calabaza, Criolla, Marrow squash, Ornamental gourds, Crookneck, Acorn, Scallop.
Due to their varied genetic background, members of C. pepo vary widely in appearance, primarily in
regards to their fruits. The plants are typically 1-2.5 feet high, 2-3 feet wide, and have yellow flowers.
Within C. pepo, the pumpkins, scallops, and possibly crooknecks are ancient and were domesticated
separately. The domesticated species have larger fruits and larger yet fewer seeds. Parthenocarpy is
known to occur in certain cultivars of C. pepo.
Uses
129
It is an ingredient in "schumaakwe cakes" and is used externally for rheumatism and swelling. A
poultice of seeds and blossoms is applied to cactus scratches. Fresh squash is cut into spiral strips,
folded into hanks and hung up to dry for winter use. The blossoms are cooked in grease and used as a
delicacy in combination with other foods. Fresh squash, either whole or in pieces, is roasted in ashes
and used for food. The gourds made into cups, ladles and dippers and put to various uses. The gourds
are also worn in phallic dances symbolizing fructification or made into ceremonial rattles. Gourds
are also made into receptacles for storing precious articles. It is approved for treatment of prostate
disorders.
Local name: Dhudhilota

Scientific name: Pergularia daemia
Family: Apocynaceae
Introduction
The Trellis-vine (Pergularia daemia) is a hispid, perennial vine in the Apocynaceae family, with an
extensive range in the Old World tropics and subtropics. It has been used traditionally to treat a
number of ailments
Other names
Chagulbati, Dudhilata
Habitat
It is found along roadsides, in woodland or along riparian forest fringes
A perennial twining foetid herb with white latex. Stems clothed with spreading hairs. Leaves 5-10
cm long, broadly-ovate or suborbicular, acuminate, velvety pubescent beneath, base deeply cordate.
130
Flowers greenish-yellow or dul white, in lateral cymes. Follicles reflexed, 5-7.5 cm long, lanceolate,
attenuated into a long beak, echinate with soft spines.
Distribution
It occurs from the Malay Peninsula to Burma, India, Bangladesh (Dhaka, Jessore, Kushtia, Khulna,
Magura, Rajshahi in village groves), Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan through Arabia and Egypt to
central and southern Africa.
Uses
Plant is anthelmintic, laxative, antipyretic, expectorant and emetic; useful in cough and infantile
diarrhoea; extract is used for uterine and menstrual troubles and to facilitate parturition. Juice of the
leaves is considered useful in asthmatic affections and infantile diarrhoea; along with lime and ginger
applied to rheumatic swellings. Pulp of fresh leaves are used as a stimulating poultice in carbuncle
with good effect. Root bark is given as an anthelmintic; mixed with cow’s milk as a purgative in
rheumatic cases.
Local name: Gajor

Scientific name: Daucus carota
Family: Apiaceae
Introduction
Daucus carota (common names include wild carrot, (UK) bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen
Anne's lace (North America)) is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate regions
of Europe, southwest Asia and naturalised to North America and Australia. Domesticated carrots are
cultivars of a subspecies, Daucus carota subsp. sativus. The carrot is a diploid species, and has nine
relatively short, uniform-length chromosomes (2n=9).
Other names
131
Wild carrot, Bird's nest, Bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace, Carrot, Molaring (tribal).
A biennial herb, with thick, fusiform, orange-yellow root. Leaves triangular or oblong in outline, 2-3
pinnatisect into oblong-lanceolate, incised-dentate segments, those of the upper leaves liner-
lanceolate. Flowers small, white in a compound umbels. Daucus carota is a biennial plant that grows
a rosette of leaves in the spring and summer, while building up the stout taproot that stores large
amounts of sugars for the plant to flower in the second year. Soon after germination, carrot seedlings
show a distinct demarcation between the taproot and the hypocotyl. The latter is thicker and lacks
lateral roots. At the upper end of the hypocotyl is the seed leaf. The first true leaf appears about 10–
15 days after germination. Subsequent leaves, produced from the stem nodes, are alternating (with a
single leaf attached to a node, and the leaves growing in alternate directions) and compound, and
arranged in a spiral. The leaf blades are pinnate. As the plant grows, the bases of the cotyledon are
pushed apart. The stem, located just above the ground, is compressed and the internodes are not
distinct. When the seed stalk elongates, the tip of the stem narrows and becomes pointed, extends
upward, and becomes a highly branched inflorescence. The stems grow to 60–200 cm (20–80 in) tall.
The inflorescence is a compound umbel, and each umbel contains several umbellets. The first
(primary) umbel occurs at the end of the main floral stem; smaller secondary umbels grow from the
main branch, and these further branch into third, fourth, and even later-flowering umbels. A large
primary umbel can contain up to 50 umbellets, each of which may have as many as 50 flowers;
subsequent umbels have fewer flowers. Flowers are small and white, sometimes with a light green or
yellow tint. They consist of five petals, five stamens, and an entire calyx. The anthers usually dehisce
and the stamens fall off before the stigma becomes receptive to receive pollen. The anthers of the
brown male sterile flowers degenerate and shrivel before anthesis. In the other type of male sterile
flower, the stamens are replaced by petals, and these petals do not fall off. A nectar-containing disc is
present on the upper surface of the carpels. The fruit that develops is a schizocarp consisting of two
mericarps; each mericarp is an achene or true seed.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout the country.
Uses
Like the cultivated carrot, the D. carota root is edible while young, but quickly becomes too woody
to consume. Rhizomes are antidysenteric, diuretic, carminative, tonic, cardiotonic, aphrodisiac,
expectorant, stomachic and astringent to the bowels; cures piles, burning sensation, biliousness and
132
tumours; good for asthma, hiccup, bronchitis, urinary complaints. It is also used as a remedy for
leprosy, tumour, jaundice and inflammation of the spleen. Seeds are nervine tonic and aphrodisiac;
recommended in dropsy, chronic diarrhoea, menstrual diseases and diseases of kindney. A decoction
of carrot is a popular remedy for jaundice. Folk-medicine holds that an infusion of the seeds will
inhibit pregnancy.
Local name: Thonthoni shak

Scientific name: Digera muricata (L.) Mart.
Introduction
Digera muricata (L.) Mart. is an annual herb, growing to 20-70 cm tall. It is an important medicinal
herb belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, found as a weed throughout India.
Habitat
Digera muricata is most common on disturbed and waste ground, but occurs in many kinds of
habitat, from dry savanna and semi-desert to moist localities on deep clay and mud soils, from sea-
level up to 1500 m altitude. It also occurs as a weed in fields, sometimes being troublesome.
Annual herb up to 70 cm tall; stem simple or branched, subglabrous, ridged. Leaves alternate, simple;
petiole up to 5 cm long; blade linear to ovate, 1–9 cm × 0.2–5 cm, base narrowed, apex acuminate,
margin entire, subglabrous. Inflorescence a long-pedunculate (up to 14 cm long), axillary, spike-like
bracteate raceme up to 30 cm long, each bract subtending a subsessile partial inflorescence with a
central fertile flower and 2 sterile lateral flowers. Fertile flower with 2 firm, boat-shaped outer
perianth segments 3–5 mm long and 2–3 inner, slightly shorter, hyaline segments; stamens usually 5,
free or slightly connate at base; ovary superior, 1 -celled, style filiform, up to 4 mm long, stigmas 2,
divergent; lateral flowers consisting of accrescent antler-shaped scales. Fruit a subglobose, hard,
133
indehiscent nutlet c. 2 mm in diameter, ridged, enclosed by the persistent perianth and falling
together with the sterile flowers and bracteoles.
Distribution
Digera muricata is widespread in eastern tropical Africa (from Sudan and Ethiopia south to
Tanzania), Madagascar and tropical and subtropical Asia (from Yemen to Afghanistan, Pakistan,
India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Uses
Though almost all of its parts are used in traditional systems of medicines, leaves, roots and shoots
are the most important parts which are used medicinally. Leaves and young shoots of Digera
muricata are locally used as a vegetable, e.g. in Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya) and in India. In Kenya they
are particularly popular as a cooked vegetable amongst coastal tribes. In India the leaves are made
into curries or the entire plant is boiled in water and seasoned with salt and chilli. Sometimes Digera
muricata is considered a famine food.
The flowers are rich in nectar which is sometimes sucked by children in Kenya. The whole plant is
also commonly grazed as a forage, particularly by sheep and goats. In Senegal Digera muricata is
used internally against digestive system disorders and in India seeds and flowers are used to treat
urinary disorders.
Local name: Shem

Scientific name: Dolichos lablab L.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Lablab purpureus is a species of bean in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Africa and it is
cultivated throughout the tropics for food. English language common names include hyacinth bean,
134
dolichos bean, seim bean, lablab bean, Egyptian kidney bean, Indian bean, and Australian pea. It is
the only species in the monotypic genus Lablab.
Dolichos bean is an ancient legume crop widely grown throughout the world for its vegetable or
pulse for human consumption or as animal forage or feed. The research efforts made on this crop,
besides being scanty, are very much widespread.
Other names
Shim, Ushi, Urushi, Soi (Chittagong), Bean, Country Bean, Tonga bean, papaya bean, poor man
bean (Australia), fiwi bean, Kikuyu bean, lubia bean (Africa), Bounavista pea (Trinidad), and butter
bean (Caribbean). It is known as gallinita (Mexico), ataque (France), fuji-mame (Japan), gerenge
(Ethiopia), helmbohne (Germany), gueshrangaig (Egypt), and louria (Cyprus). In India it is called
chapparadavare, chikkadikai (Kannada), avari, mochai (Tamil), anumulu, chikkudu (Telugu),
mochakotta (Malayalam), sem, ballar (Hindi), val (Gujarati).
A large twiner. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets 5-15 cm long, ovate, acute, base cuneate or deltoid.
Flowers white or pink, fascicled on nodes of lax racemes, 15-23 cm long. Pods 3.8-5 cm long,
compressed, tipped with the hooked persistent base of the style.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout Bangladesh as a vegetable crop.
Uses
Seeds are considered laxative, diuretic, galactagogue, febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, antispasmodic and
aphrodisiac; useful in inflammations. Leaves are emmenagogue and reputed alexipharmac; given in
colic. Fresh leaves pounded and mixed with lime are rubbed over ringworms to cure.
135
Local name: Asamlata
Scientific name: Chromolaena odorata
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
Chromolaena odorata is a tropical species of flowering shrub in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It
is native to North America, from Florida and Texas to Mexico and the Caribbean, and has been
introduced to tropical Asia, west Africa, and parts of Australia. It was earlier taxonomically
classified under the genus Eupatorium, but is now considered more closely related to other genera in
the tribe Eupatorieae.
Other names
Siam Weed, Christmas Bush, Devil Weed, Camfhur Grass and Common Floss Flower.
Habitat
Roadsides, abandoned or fallow fields and in plantations of perennial crops.
Chromolaena odorata is a rapidly growing perennial herb. It is a multi-stemmed shrub to 2.5 m tall
in open areas. It has soft stems but the base of the shrub is woody. In shady areas it becomes
etiolated and behaves as a creeper, growing on other vegetation. It can then become up to 10 m tall.
The plant is hairy and glandular and the leaves give off a pungent, aromatic odour when crushed.
The leaves are opposite, triangular to elliptical with serrated edges. Leaves are 4–10 cms long by 1–5
cms wide. Leaf petioles are 1–4 cms long. The white to pale pink tubular flowers are in panicles of
10 to 35 flowers that form at the ends of branches. The seeds are achenes and are somewhat hairy.
They are mostly spread by the wind, but can also cling to fur, clothes and machinery, enabling long
distance dispersal. Seed production is about 80000 to 90000 per plant. Seeds need light to germinate.
136
The plant can regenerate from the roots. In favorable conditions the plant can grow more than 3 cms.
a day
Uses
It is sometimes grown as a medicinal and ornamental plant. It is used as a traditional medicine in

Indonesia. The young leaves are crushed, and the resulting liquid can be used to treat skin wounds.
Local name: Mouri

Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare Gaertn.
Family: Apiaceae
Introduction
Mouri (Foeniculum vulgare Gaertn.) is a plant under the Apiaceae family. It mainly used as a spices
but it is also used as a leafy vegetables in Bangladesh.
Others name
Fennel or Sweet Fennel.
Description
It has a thick, perennial root-stock, stout stems, 4 to 5 feet or more in height, erect and cylindrical,
bright green and so smooth as to seem polished, much branched bearing leaves cut into the very
finest of segments. The bright golden flowers, produced in large, flat terminal umbels, with from
thirteen to twenty rays. Fennel is a beautiful plant. The bright golden flowers, produced in large, flat
terminal umbels, with from thirteen to twenty rays, are in bloom in July and August.
In the original wild condition, it is variable as to size, habit, shape and colour of leaf, number of rays
in the flower-head or umbel, and shape of fruit, but it has been under cultivation for so long that
there are now several well-marked species. The Common Garden Fennel (F. Capillaceum or
officinale) is distinguished from its wild relative (F. vulgare) by having much stouter, taller, tubular
137
and larger stems, and less divided leaves, but the chief distinction is that the leaf-stalks form a curved
sheath around the stem, often even as far as the base of the leaf above. The flower-stalks, or pedicels,
of the umbels are also sturdier, and the fruits, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, are double the size of the wild
ones.
Cultivation
Fennel will thrive anywhere, and a plantation will last for years. It is easily propagated by seeds,
sown early in April in ordinary soil. It likes plenty of sun and is adapted to dry and sunny situations,
not needing heavily manured ground, though it will yield more on rich stiff soil. From 4 1/2 to 5 lb.
of seed are sown per acre, either in drills, 15 inches apart, lightly, just covered with soil and the
plants afterwards thinned to a similar distance, or sewn thinly in a bed and transplanted when large
enough. The fruit is heavy and a crop of 15 cwt. per acre is an average yield.
Uses
Fennel fruit is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives to allay their tendency to griping and for this
purpose forms one of the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel water
has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup,
these waters constitute the domestic 'Gripe Water,' used to correct the flatulence of infants. Volatile
oil of Fennel has these properties in concentration. Fennel tea, formerly also employed as a
carminative, is made by pouring half a pint of boiling water on a teaspoonful of bruised Fennel seeds.
Syrup prepared from Fennel juice was formerly given for chronic coughs. Fennel is also largely
used for cattle condiments.
138
Local name: Khethpapra
Scientific name: Oldenlandia corymbosa L.
Family: Rubiaceae
Introduction
Oldenlandia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It is pantropical in distribution

and has about 240 species. The type species for the genus is Oldenlandia corymbosa. Oldenlandia
was named by Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum. The name honors the Danish botanist Henrik
Bernard Oldenland (1663-1699). Some species are important in ethnomedicine; a number (usually
island endemics) are threatened species, with one species and one variety being completely extinct
already.
Some botanists have not recognized Oldenlandia, but have placed some or all of its species in a
broadly defined Hedyotis. More recently, the circumscription of Hedyotis has been narrowed to a
monophyletic group of about 115 species and no longer includes Oldenlandia. The genus
Oldenlandia, as presently defined, is several times polyphyletic and will eventually be reduced to a
group of species closely related to the type species. This group, known informally as Oldenlandia
sensu stricto, is sister to a section of Kohautia that will eventually be separated from Kohautia and
named as a new genus.
Other names
Khetpapra, flat-top mille graines, Old World diamond-flower, Bhuti tida (Tribal).
Slender annual or perennial herbs; stems prostrate to weakly erect, 1-4 dm long, few-branched to
many-branched, glabrous. Leaves narrowly oblong to linear, 15-20 (-30) mm long, 2-5 mm wide,
139
apex acute, base cuneate, petioles ca. 1 mm long, stipules ca. 2.5 mm long, connate, margins with
several glandular teeth of unequal length. Flowers 1-3 (-5), axillary, peduncles ca. 8-10 (-15) mm
long; calyx 4-toothed, the teeth ca. 1 mm long; corolla lavender to white, thin, broadly tubular, 4-
lobed, ca. 2 mm long, the lobes 1-2 mm long. Fruit didymous, somewhat laterally compressed,
thinly cartilaginous, ca. 1.5 mm long, ca. 2-2.5 mm wide. Seeds numerous per cell, angular, ca. 0.25
mm long, areolate.
Distribution
Tropical Africa, Madagascar, Bangladesh and India.
Uses
The plant is febrifuge, stomachic and anthelmintic; given in jaundice, and liver complaints.
Decoction of the plant is given in remittent fever, and as a cure for heat eruptions. The plant is also
used in gastric irritation and nervous depression. Leaf extract is used by the Chakma in Chittagong
Hill Tracts to alleviate abdominal pain.
Local name: Mistialu

Scientific name: Ipomoea batatus Lam.
Family: Convolvulaceae
Introduction
Mistialu (Ipomoea batatus Lam.) is a plant under the Convolvulaceae family. It is used as a tuberous-
rooted plant but it is also a used as a leafy vegetable plant.
Other names
Sweet potato, Ula, Camote.
140
Sweet Potato is a tuberous-rooted perennial, usually grown as an annual. The top is herbaceous,
drying back to ground each year. The stems are forming a running vine up to 4 m long, usually
prostrate and slender, with milky juice, lateral stem-branches arising from the short stem and usually
not branched. The leaves are ovate-cordate, borne on long petioles, palmately veined, angular or
lobed, depending on variety, green or purplish. The flowers are white or pale violet, axillary, funnel-
shaped, borne singly or in cymes on short peduncles. Fruits are pods with 1-4 seeds per pod,
flattened, hard-coated, angular.
Uses
Cultivated mainly for the tuber, used as vegetable, eaten boiled, baked fried, or dried and ground into
flour to make biscuits, bread, and other pastries. Tubers also dehydrated in chips, canned, cooked and
frozen, creamed and used as pie fillings, much like pumpkin. Leafy tops eaten as vegetable The
leaves of Uala may be steamed, boiled or baked. The tuber is a carbohydrate. A good source of
Vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus, most of the nutrients are near the skin.
Therefore, it is nutritionally best to steam or bake the potatoes in their scrubbed skins in an oven or
in an imu, rather than to boil them. If mixed with water, the cooked, skinned and mashed 'Uala
makes a sweet potato poi. The tubers and greens are also used as food for livestock, especially pigs.
Some varieties of Uala in ancient days were used medicinally. 'Uala was used as a tonic during
pregnancy and to induce lactation. Other varieties were said to cure asthma.
Local name: Keshordam

Scientific name: Jussiaea repens L.
Family: Onagraceae
Introduction
Keshordum is a very popular planr for its medicinal properties. Leaves of thi plant used as vegetable
in our country.
Other names
141
Jussia.
Habitat
Shallow still water, muddy soil, pond margins.
The stems are "spongy" internally and easily broken. Stems - With various growth patterns from
erect to repent, on land or floating, herbaceous, glabrous or sparsely pubescent, often reddish, from
fibrous roots, to +50cm long. Leaves - Alternate, petiolate, glabrous, oblong to elliptic, tapering to
base, acute at apex, entire, to +/-12cm long (with petiole), +2cm broad. Inflorescence - Single
axillary flowers on long peduncles. Peduncles to +/-6cm in flower, elongating in fruit, glabrous or
very sparse pilose pubescence, erect, with two sub-opposite bracts. Flowers - Floral tube to 1.2cm in
flower, 5-angled, tube subtended by two green scalelike bracts. Petals 5, free, yellow, 1.7cm long,
1.2cm broad, glabrous. Style 6-7mm long, glabrous. Stigma flattened, 3mm broad. Stamens 10.
Filaments to 4.5mm long, glabrous, pale yellow. Anthers yellow, 2.1mm long. Ovary inferior, many
seeded. Sepals 5, lanceolate, 1cm long, 3mm broad, acute, glabrous. Capsule (fruit) to -4cm long, +/-
4mm in diameter, glabrous or with sparse pubescence. Seeds many. Flowering - May - October.
Uses
Used medicinally and leaves used as vegetable.
Local name: Letush

Scientific name: Lactuca sativa L.
Family: Asteraceae
Introduction
142
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual plant of the aster or sunflower family Asteraceae. It is most
often grown as a leaf vegetable, but sometimes for its stem and seeds. Lettuce was first cultivated by
the ancient Egyptians who turned it from a weed, whose seeds were used to produce oil, into a plant
grown for its leaves. Lettuce spread to the Greeks and Romans, the latter of whom gave it the name
"lactuca", from which the English "lettuce" is ultimately derived. By 50 AD, multiple types were
described, and lettuce appeared often in medieval writings, including several herbals. The 16th
through 18th centuries saw the development of many varieties in Europe, and by the mid-18th
century cultivars were described that can still be found in gardens. Europe and North America
originally dominated the market for lettuce, but by the late 1900s the consumption of lettuce had
spread throughout the world.
Habitat
Cultivated Beds. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no
shade. It prefers moist soil.
Lactuca sativa is a annual/biennial growing to 0.9 m (3ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is hardy to zone 6 and
is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September.
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies,
self.The plant is self-fertile. The leaves are colorful, mainly in the green and red color spectrums,
with some variegated varieties. There are also a few varieties with yellow, gold or blue-teal leaves.
Lettuces have a wide range of shapes and textures, from the dense heads of the iceberg type to the
notched, scalloped, frilly or ruffly leaves of leaf varieties. Lettuce plants have a root system that
includes a main taproot and smaller secondary roots.
Propagation
Seed - sow a small quantity of seed in situ every 2 or 3 weeks from March (with protection in cooler
areas) to June and make another sowing in August/September for a winter/spring crop. Only just
cover the seed. Germination is usually rapid and good, thin the plants if necessary, these thinnings
can be transplanted to produce a slightly later crop (but they will need to be well watered in dry
weather). More certain winter crops can be obtained by sowing in a frame in September/October and
again in January/February.
143
Cultivation
A hardy annual, some varieties of lettuce can be overwintered even in relatively cold climates under
a layer of straw, and older, heirloom varieties are often grown in cold frames. Lettuces meant for the
cutting of individual leaves are generally planted straight into the garden in thick rows. Lettuce
grows best in full sun in loose, nitrogen-rich soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.8. Heat generally
prompts lettuce to bolt, with most varieties growing poorly above 75 °F (24 °C); cool temperatures
prompt better performance, with 60 to 65 °F (16 to 18 °C) being preferred and as low as 45 °F (7 °C)
being tolerated. Plants in hot areas that are provided partial shade during the hottest part of the day
will bolt more slowly. Temperatures above 80 °F (27 °C) will generally result in poor or non-existent
germination of lettuce seeds.
Uses
Leaves - raw or cooked. A mild slightly sweet flavour with a crisp texture, lettuce is a very
commonly used salad leaf and can also be cooked as a potherb or be added to soups etc. A nutritional
analysis is available. Seed - sprouted and used in salads or sandwiches. An edible oil is obtained
from the seed. The seed is very small, extraction of the oil on any scale would not be very feasible.
Depending on the variety, lettuce is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium, with
higher concentrations of vitamin A found in darker green lettuces. It also provides some dietary fiber
(concentrated in the spine and ribs), carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat. With the
exception of the iceberg type, lettuce also provides some vitamin C, calcium, iron and copper, with
vitamins and minerals largely found in the leaf. Lettuce naturally absorbs and concentrates lithium.
144
Local name: Moshur
Scientific name: Lens esculenta Moen.
Family: Fabaceae
Introduction
Lentil is a leguminous plant that has been grown in the Mediterranean region since ancient times.
Seeds are reported to have been found in Egyptian tombs of the 12th dynasty (2400 B.C.). It is
seldom grown in Florida, even in gardens, for it is more adapted to droughty conditions. Most
production in the U.S. is centered in the Pacific Northwest. Almost 40,000 acres of lentils were
produced in the U.S. in 1972.
Other names
Lentil, Musur, Musuri, Masur, Ma kalai (Tribal).
An annual herb, branching from the base. Leaves pinnate, leaflets 4-6 pairs, sessile, lanceolate, often
mucronate. Flower pale purple, in 2-4 flowered racemes. Pod rhomboid oblong, about 1.3 cm long.
Seeds usually 2, compressed, grey, with minute spots.
Distribution
Cultivated throughout the country.
Uses
Lentils are cultivated much as are dry beans. Therefore, there must be a period of 2-3 weeks of sunny
dry weather at harvest time for drying the pods. Young immature pods may be used as a vegetable.
The mature dry seeds are a favorite ingredient in soups and stews. Lentils are a good source of
protein, vitamin B, iron, and phosphorus. Seeds are diuretic, tonic, laxative and astringent to the
145
bowels; useful in constipation and other intestinal affections. Paste of the seeds is a useful cleansing
application in cases of foul and indolent ulcers. Seeds coat is styptic and astringent.
Local name: Roktodrone

Scientific name: Leonurus sibiricus L.
Family: Lamiaceae
Introduction
Leonurus sibiricus, commonly called honeyweed or Siberian motherwort, is an herbaceous plant

species native to central and Southwest Asia, including China, Mongolia, and Russia. It is
naturalized in many other parts of the world, including South, Central and North Americas. Leonurus
sibiricus L. grows wild in the suburbs, sometimes planted in the garden.
Other names
Honeyweed, Siberian motherwort, Raktodrone, Guma, Juma, Jajura.
An erect, annual herb, up to 1.5 m high; stems quadrangular. Leaves 3.8-10 cm long, palmatipartite
with linear, incised segments. Flowers red, 1.5 cm long, in axillary whorls; upper floral leaves
usually entire.
Distribution
All over the country in fallow lands and road side.
Uses
The dried plant is prescribed as a tonic, alterative, vulnerary and general remedy in puerperal and
menstrual diseases; useful towards uterus contraction. The juice of the leaves is poured in to ear to
relieve earache in Jointiapur of Sylhet. The root and leaves are used as a febrifuge. In Chinese
medicine the seeds are considered to be constructive and aphrodisiac.
146
Local name: Dondokolosh
Scientific name: Leucas cephalotes (Roth)
Spreng.
Family: Lamiaceae
Introduction
Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. Family Lamiaceae. L. cephalotes springs up in cultivated fields as
a weed, especially after a period of rain. The flowering annual herb Leucas cephalotes is a common
weed which also has uses as an edible vegetable and herbal remedy. It is a common plant across Asia
from China to the Indian subcontinent.
Other names
Bara Halkusha, Dandakolos, Dhrupy, Guma, dronpushpi or Drona puspi.
Habitat
Common locally in wet places
Stout annual herb to 1 m high, the branchlets scaberulous with spreading hairs; leaves petiolate, the
petioles to 15 mm long, the blades membranaceous, 5-10 x 2-4 cm, ovate to ovate-lanceolate,
subacute at apex, crenate-serrate at margin, more or less pubescent on both surfaces; flowering
verticils often large, to 5 cm broad, terminal, globose, surrounded by imbricate, membranaceous
bracts, these elliptic- to linear-lanceolate, 8-15 x 2-5 mm, awned at apex, ciliate at margin; calyx
tubular, about 2 cm long, the tube slightly curved, membranaceous, usually soft-pubescent, the
mouth oblique, long-pubescent, the teeth short-subulate, subequal, 1-2 mm long, scabrid; corolla 20-
30 mm long, the tube to 20 mm long, the upper lip to 5 mm long, villose, the lower lip about twice as
long as upper lip, the median lobe spreading, subtruncate; nutlets 2-3 mm long, obovoid-oblong,
rounded at apex, smooth, brown.
147
Distribution
Dhaka, Chittagong and Jessore in fallow lands.
Uses
The plant is stimulant and diaphoretic. The fresh juice is used as an external application in scabies
and eczema. The flowers are stimulant, aperient, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, insecticide, expectorant
and administered in the form of a syrup as a domestic remedy for cough and colds.
It is collected for use as a leafy vegetable in rural areas. It is cultivated itself for its medicinal uses
and is readily available in markets. One of the plant's most common historical uses has been as a
treatment for snake bite. It is also steeped in water which is then used for bathing and for washing
livestock.
Local name: Vuiokra

Scientific name: Lippia nodiflora (L.) Rich.
Family: Verbenaceae
Introduction
Lippia nodiflora (frog fruit, sawtooth fogfruit, turkey tangle), is an ornamental plant in the
Verbenaceae family, and is native to South America and the United States. It can be found in tropical
areas around the globe, a naturalized species in many places. This plant is cited in Flora Brasiliensis
by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius. It is often grown as groundcover, and is sometimes present in
yards as a lawn weed.
Other names
Bhui Okar, Karghas, Bakkan. Common names in India include bukkan (Hindi), ratolia, vakkan
(Marathi), podutalai (Tamil), vasir, and vasuka (Sanskrit). It is used medicinally to treat suppuration,
common colds, and lithiasis.
148
Annual erect weed covered with short hairs and standing from 30 to 50 cm high. Leaves shortly
petioled, narrowly ovate or ovate-lanceolate, crenate-serrate; flowers small, white in dense terminal
globose whorls; nutlets small, smooth, brown. A prostrate, much branched annual herb, often rooting
at the nodes, up to 75 cm long. Leaves cuneate-spathulate, serrate, 2.5 cm long. Peduncles commonly
axillary; heades 1.25 cm long, ovoid or cylindric. Flowers small, pinkish-purple to white.
Distribution
Throughout the country in fallow lands.
Uses
The plant is diuretic, stomachic, febrifuge and astringent to the bowels; good for ulcers, wounds,
asthma, bronchitis; considered valuable in ischury, stoppage of the bowels and pain in the knee-joints.
A poultice composed of the fresh plant is a good maturant for boils. Infusion of the leaves and tender
stalks is given to children suffering from indigestion and to women after delivery. Chutney made
from the leaves and fruits are eaten to relieve the irritation of internal piles.
Local name: Dhundol pata

Scientific name: Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.
Introduction
Vietnamese gourd or Vietnamese luffa (Latin: Luffa aegyptiaca, Vietnamese: mướp hương) is a
species of Luffa grown for its fruit. The fruit somewhat resembles a cucumber. The young fruit is
eaten as a vegetable and is commonly grown for that purpose in tropical Asia. Unlike the young fruit,
the fully ripened fruit is strongly fibrous and is used to make scrubbing bath sponges. Due to the use
of the ripe fruit as a scrubbing sponge, it is also known by the common names dishrag gourd, rag
gourd, sponge gourd, and vegetable-sponge. It is also called smooth luffa to distinguish it from the
ridged luffa, which is another species of luffa used for the same purposes. In English, the name is
also spelled loofah.
149
Other names
Smooth loofah, Sponge gourd, Vegetable sponge, Dishcloth gourd, Dishrag gourd, Rag gourd (En).
Monoecious, annual, climbing or trailing herb up to 15 m long, stem 5-angled, finely hairy; tendrils
2–6-fid. Leaves alternate, simple; stipules absent; petiole up to 15 cm long; blade ovate in outline, 6–
25 cm × 6–27 cm, palmately 3–7-lobed with triangular or ovate lobes, cordate at the base, lobes
acute or subacute and apiculate at the apex, margin sinuate-dentate, scabrous, dark green, palmately
veined. Male inflorescence racemose, 5–20-flowered; peduncle 7–32 cm long, finely hairy; female
flowers solitary. Flowers unisexual, regular, 5-merous, 5–10 cm in diameter; petals free, entire,
broadly obovate, 2–4.5 cm long, deep yellow; male flowers on bracteate pedicels 3–13 mm long,
receptacle tube obconic below, expanded above, 3–8 mm long, with triangular lobes 8–12 mm long,
sepals ovate, 8–14 mm long, stamens 3 or 5, free, inserted on the receptacle tube, connectives broad;
female flowers on pedicel 1.5–14.5 cm long, receptacle tube shortly cylindrical and 2.5–6 mm long,
with ovate lobes c. 1 cm long, sepals ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, 8–16 mm long, ovary inferior,
stigmas 3, 2-lobed. Fruit an ellipsoid or cylindrical capsule up to 60(–90) cm × 10(–12) cm, beaked,
not prominently ribbed, brownish, dehiscent by an apical operculum, glabrous, many-seeded. Seeds
lenticular, broadly elliptical in outline, compressed, 10–15 mm × 6–11 mm × 2–3 mm, smooth, dull
black, with a narrow, membranous wing-like border. Seedling with epigeal germination; cotyledons
ovate, c. 5 cm long.
Uses
Leaves used as vegetable. A major use is as a sponge for washing and scrubbing utensils as well as
the human body. It is also used for the manufacture of hats, insoles of shoes, car-wipers, pot-holders,
table-mats, door and bath-mats, sandals and gloves. Root preparations are taken for the treatment of
constipation and as a diuretic. The fruit sap is taken as a strong purgative. The seeds are credited with
emollient and anthelminthic properties. They are also emetic and cathartic. The seed oil is used for
the treatment of skin problems. Unripe fruits have been used as fish poison.
150
Local name: Jhinga
Scientific name: Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.
Introduction
Luffa acutangula is commercially grown for its unripe fruits as a vegetable. Mature fruits are used as
natural cleaning sponges. Its fruit slightly resembles a cucumber or zucchini with ridges. It ranges
from central and eastern Asia to southeastern Asia. It is also grown as a houseplant in places with
colder climates.
Other names
Toroy, Setaputi, Turi, Angled luffa, Chinese okra, Dish cloth gourd, Sponge gourd, Vegetable gourd,
Strainer vine, Ribbed loofah, Silky gourd, Ridged gourd, Silk gourd.
Habitat
The vines can be commonly seen growing on lattices at the entrances to rural homes or in gardens.

Stout monoeceous climber, foetid and when bruised. Stem acutely 5 angled; hairy tendrils 3 fid or
more. Leaves 5 angled or shallowly lobed, pale green beneath, scabrous, 10-25 cm. Male flowers in
racemes of several flowers; peduncle 15-35 cm. long; female flower solitary, borne in same 1 f. axis
as flowers, 4-5 cm. diameter, fragrant; calyx 5-partite glandular; petals yellow, obovate, 2-2.5 cm.
long, stamens 3; ovary inferior, filiform, with 10 longitudinal ribs on which are swollen glands, style
short, stigmas 3. Flowers open in later afternoon or evening. Fruit elongate, club-shaped, crowned by
enlarged sepals and style angle, 10 ribbed, many seeded.
Cultivation
It is cultivated in the following ways. (i) on the platform (matcha), (ii) on the tree, and (iii) on roof.
Its pick period is June- September and off season is October- May.
151
Distribution
Bangladesh (Rajshahi, Nawabgonj, Bogra, Natore, Noagoan, Joypurhat), Bhutan, Northwest India,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Malayasia, Indonesia, China, South Africa, cultivated in the tropics.
Uses
Young tender fruits are used as vegetables. The fibrous material obtained from the dried fruits is
used as a substitute for bath sponges. The seeds possess purgative and emetic properties. The
pounded leaves are applied locally to splenitis, haemorrhoides and leprosy. The juice of the fresh
leaves is dropped into the eyes of children in granular conjunctivitis, also to prevent the lids adhering
at night from excessive meibomian secretion. Fruit is demulcent, dieuretic and nutritive.
Local name: Pudina

Scientific name: Mentha sicata L.
Family: Lamiaceae
Introduction
Mentha spicata (spearmint or spear mint) is a species of mint native to much of Europe and
southwest Asia, though its exact natural range is uncertain due to extensive early cultivation.
Habitat
It grows in wet soils. It is native to Europe and southwest Asia, but has become naturalized in other
parts of the world.
Perennial from creeping rhizomes, 30-100 cm tall, hairless or almost so, sometimes glandular.
Leaves: opposite in many pairs, often stiff-hairy along the main veins beneath, mostly stalkless, the
stalks, if present, not over about 3 mm long, the blade lance-ovate or elliptic, 2-7 cm long, 0.8-2.5
cm wide, 2-3.5 times as long as wide, sharp-toothed and more or less pointed. Flowers: numerous in
152
many whorls of flowers crowded into slender, terminal spikes, the whorls sometimes interrupted
below, 3-12 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide at flowering. Calyx 1.5-2 mm long, the 5 slender, pointed
lobes generally stiff-hairy on the edges, the tube without hairs. Corolla 2-4 mm long, pale lavender to
sometimes white, with short tube and nearly regularly 4-lobed limb, the upper lobe formed by the
fusion of the two lobes of the upper lip, tending to be broader than the other lobes, and slightly
notched. Stamens 4, conspicuously protruding. Flowering time: June-August. Fruits: 4 small, egg-
shaped nutlets.
Cultivation
Spearmint grows well in nearly all temperate climates. Gardeners often grow it in pots or planters
due to its invasive spreading roots. The plant prefers partial shade, but can flourish in full sun to
mostly shade. Spearmint is best suited to loamy soils with plenty of organic material.
Uses
Leaves use as vegetable and also used as medicine. Uses include commercial uses in gum, liquers,
gum and candy. It is also used as a remedy for stomach and intestinal gas and is also used as a
deodorant.
Local name: Kakrole

Scientific name: Momordica cochinchinensis
Spreng.
Introduction
Momordica cochinchinensis is a Southeast Asian fruit found throughout the region from Southern
China to Northeastern Australia, including Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
153
Habitat
The vines can be commonly seen growing on lattices at the entrances to rural homes or in gardens.
Other names
Gulkakra, Katamala, Teasle gourd, Gangerua, Shejlock shak, Achampol, Kang-chaing-za, Chinese-
cucumber.
Dioceous, leaves 10-12.5 cm., cordate ovate, usually 3-lobed, glabrous or a little pubescent, often
punctuate, little dented; petioles glandular, bract near top of the male peduncle, petiole 5-7 cm., male
peduncle 5-15 cm., bract often pubescent, embracing the expanded flower, flower large white, petals
2.5-5 cm., white tinged with yellow, 3 with black spots at the base of 2 with yellow glands; the 2-
anthered filaments not 2-fid. Female peduncle 2.5-5 cm., bract small about the middle. Fruit
muricated, 10-12.5 cm., ovate, pointed, bright red, very fleshy, without ribs, covered with conical
points, nearly 0.31 cm. high. 2.20 cm. by 1.5 cm. and 0.5 cm. thick, many, horizontal, irregular,
ovate, compressed, black, corrugated on the margins, sculptured on the faces.
Cultivation
Its pick period is March- August, and off season is September- February. It is cultivated in the
following ways. (i) on platform (matcha), (ii) on tree.
Distribution
Bangladesh (Rajshahi, Nawabgonj, Natore, Bogra, Naogaon, Joypurhat), Mayanmar, Malayasia,
China, Formosa, India, Philippines.
Uses
The young fruit used as vegetable. Its fruits used as vegetables. The seeds of the plant are used as
aperient and in the treatment of ulcers, sores and obstruction of liver and spleen. Fruits and leaves are
used in external application for lumbago, ulceration and fracture of bones. The plants are also
reported to be used as an alternative bitter drug in place of strychnos. The roots are given in
rheumatism with swelling of lower limbs.
154
Local name: Padmo
Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Introduction
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Family- Nymphaeaceae) is a well known plant in ancient medical
sciences, Much research have been done on the leaves, flowers, seeds and rhizomes of the plant, Our
present aim is to review all the work performed on the plant to get a clear idea to evaluate its various
medicinal principles relating to phytochemical pharmacological microbiological and allied
approaches. This plant is an aquatic perennial. Under favorable circumstances its seeds may remain
viable for many years, with the oldest recorded lotus germination being from that of seeds
1,300 years old recovered from a dry lakebed in northeastern China.
A common misconception is referring to the lotus as a water lily (Nymphaea), an entirely different
plant, as can be seen in the center of the flowers, which lack the structure that goes on to form the
distinctive circular seed pod in the Nelumbo nucifera. It is commonly cultivated in water gardens. It
is also the national flower of India and Vietnam.
Other names
Indian lotus, Sacred lotus, Bean of India, or Simply lotus.
Habitat
Aquatic. Grows plenty in all ponds in Banglases.
The roots of lotus are planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of
the water surface or are held well above it. The flowers are usually found on thick stems rising
several centimeters above the leaves. The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm and a
horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over
155
5 meters. The leaves may be as large as 60 cm in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to
20 cm in diameter.
Uses
The distinctive dried seed heads, which resemble the spouts of watering cans, are widely sold
throughout the world for decorative purposes and for dried flower arranging. The flowers, seeds,
young leaves, and "roots" (rhizomes) are all edible. In Asia, the petals are sometimes used for
garnish, while the large leaves are used as a wrap for food, not frequently eaten. Petals, leaves, and
rhizome can also all be eaten raw, but there is a risk of parasite transmission (e.g., Fasciolopsis
buski): it is therefore recommended that they be cooked before eating.
Local name: Shapla

Scientific name: Nymphaea lotus Hook.
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Introduction
Nymphaea nouchali (also called Star lotus, Red and blue water lily, Blue star water lily, or by its
synonym Nymphaea stellata) is a water lily of genus Nymphaea. It is the national flower of Sri
Lanka and of Bangladesh.
Other names
Water lily, Star lotus, Red and Blue water lily, Blue star water lily
Habitat
Attached rosette plant with submersed, floating and occasionally emergent leaves.
Perennial. Stem a slender or stout rhizome, corm, or tuber, usually bearing old leaf scars. Leaves in a
basal rosette arising from buried rhizome, submersed, floating or emergent; petiole smooth, greatly
156
elongate; leaf blade ovate, deeply sagittate to orbicular with deep sinus, venation palmate; margin
entire or dentate. Inflorescence a large, solitary flower on a long pedicel, borne above water or
floating on surface. Sepals 4 or 5, green; petals numerous, in series, variously colored; stamens
numerous. Dispersal by seed or sometimes by daughter plants off rhizome.
Distribution
This aquatic plant is native from the Indian Subcontinent to Australia region. It has been long valued
as a garden flower in Thailand and Myanmar to decorate ponds and gardens. In its natural state N.
nouchali is found in static or slow-flowing aquatic habitats of little to moderate depth
Uses
N. nouchali is used as an ornamental plant because of its spectacular flowers. It is also popular as an
aquarium plant under the name "Dwarf Lily" or "Dwarf Red Lily". Sometimes it is grown for its
flowers, while other aquarists prefer to trim the lily pads, and just have the underwater foliage.
Nymphaea nouchali is considered a medicinal plant in Indian Ayurvedic medicine under the name
Ambal; it was mainly used to treat indigestion.[4] Recent experiments have confirmed that it has
medicinal qualities as an antihepatotoxic and antidiabetic.
Like all waterlilies or lotuses, its tubers and rhizomes can be used as food items; they are eaten
usually boiled or roasted. In the case of N. nouchali, its tender leaves and flower peduncles are also
valued as food. The dried plant is collected from ponds, tanks and marshes during the dry season and
used in India as animal forage.
Local name: Gondhovadoli

Scientific name: Paederia foedtida L.
Family: Rubiaceae
Introduction
157
Paederia foetida is a species of plant, with common names that are variations of Skunkvine;
Stinkvine; or Chinese Fever Vine. It is native to temperate, and tropical Asia; and has become
naturalized in the Mascarenes, Melanesia, Polynesia, and the Hawaiian Islands, also found in North
America by recent studies.
Paederia foetida is known for the strong, sulphurous odour exuded when its leaves or stems are
crushed or bruised. This is because the oil responsible for the smell, and found primarily within the
leaves, contains sulphur compounds, including largely dimethyl disulphide.
Other names
Gandhal, Ghorbobhai shak (Tanchunga); Patabansludi (Chakma); Kha Bu Noya, Noya Bock
(Marma), Chinese Flower Plant, Chinese Moon-creeper, Kings Tonic, Skunkvine, Stinkvine, Chinese
Fever Vine.
An extensive, foetid climber. Leaves opposite, ovate or lanceolate, acute or cuspidate, 2.5-3.8 cm
long. Flowers violet, shortly pedicelled in slender tricholomous, often scorpioid paniculate cymes,
about 15 cm long; corolla funnel-shaped. Fruit orbicular, wings pale, 1.1 cm across.
Distribution
In most of the district on fences and bushes.
Uses
The plant is tonic, diuretic, emmenagogue and aphrodisiac; used in epistaxis; good for liver and
stomach troubles and lumbago. It is regarded as a specific for rheumatic affections, in which it is
administered both internally and externally. The leaves are tonic, styptic, vulnerary and astringent;
used as a remedy in diarrhoea and dysentery. A popultice of the leaves is used in herpes and
retention of urine and to relive distension due to flatulence. Decoction of leaves is diurectic; dissolve
vesical calculi. The leaves are cooked and taken as a remedy for indigestion and loose motion. Juice
of the root is useful in piles, inflammation of the spleen and pain in the chest and liver
The shading effect of Paederia scandens may cause crop damage. It is medically useful and it is
also used in treating pesticide poisoning.
158
Local name: Bonpalong
Scientific name: Sonchus arvensis L.
Family: Compositae
Introduction
Sonchus arvensis (corn sow thistle, dindle, field sow thistle, gutweed, swine thistle, tree sow thistle,
field sowthistle or field milk thistle) is a medicinal plant. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes
region and was first sighted in 1865.
Other names
Creeping sow thistle, Field sow-thistle, Swine-thistle, Milk thistle, Field milk thistle, Corn sow-
thistle, Tree sow-thistle, Dindle, Gutweed.
Habitat
Disturbed sites with damp soils. Thrives on non-compacted, fine, rich, slightly alkaline to neutral
soils. Tolerates some salinity. Seedlings are typically found along pond and river margins and in
lawns, moist meadows, and uncultivated fields.
Vigorous herbaceous perennial, with milky sap and creeping roots that produce new shoots, to 1.8 m
tall. Cotyledons obovate, 4-8 mm long, 1-4.5 mm wide. Leaves obovate to oblanceolate, bluish-green,
dull, glabrous, form a basal rosette. Margins wavy to lobed, with backwards pointing spiny teeth.
Lower surfaces often have a powdery white or purplish film. Newly initiated leaves sometimes
pubescent. Seldom flower the first year.
Foliage bluish-green. Stems erect, hollow, ridged, branched only in the upper portion of the plant.
Lower stems leafy. Upper stems can be glabrous or glandular-hairy. Leaves alternate, highly variable,
entire to deeply pinnate-lobed, 5-30 cm long, 2-10 cm wide, clasping the stem at the base with
159
rounded basal lobes (auricles). Lobes +/- triangular, often curved backwards, usually 2-5(7) per side.
Terminal lobe typically longer, broader than lateral lobes. Margins with small spiny teeth. Upper
leaves sessile, often unlobed. Lower leaves short-petioled, lobed. Flower heads 3-5 cm wide, consist
of numerous bright yellow to orange-yellow 5-lobed ray (ligulate) flowers at the stem tips. Pappus
bristles fine, soft, white, numerous, 8-12 mm long. Flower head stalks and phyllaries typically
covered with stiff glandular hairs. Self-incompatible. Insect pollinated. Heads open ~ 2-3 hours after
sunrise and close at noon. Fruits achenes, oblong, flattened, 3-4 angled with 2 minutely wrinkled
longitudinal ridges between angles, 2.5-3.5 mm long excluding pappus, +/- 1 mm wide, light to dark
brown.
Propagation
Reproduces by seed and vegetative shoots from roots. Root sections 1 cm long or more can produce
new shoots from previously formed buds or develop adventitious buds. Seed disperses with wind,
water, and by clinging to fur or feathers of animals and clothing of people. Flower heads produce
viable seed within 5-6 days and disperse seed in 10 days after opening. Some immature seed can
continue to mature on cut stems. Isolated plants or clonal patches produce little seed because of self-
incompatibility. Newly matured seed lacks a dormancy period. Most seed germinates in spring after
soil has warmed to 20º C. Light is not required. Seed can remain viable under field conditions for 3
or more years, but decomposes in water within 3 months. Seedlings emerge from soil depths to 3 cm
(optimal 0.5 cm), but survival is typically low, especially on bare soils. Seedling establishment
increases on sites with high moisture and protective plant cover or litter.
Uses
Leaves uses as vegetable. It has also some medicinal value.
160
Local name: Bazra
Scientific name: Pennisetum typhoides (Burm.)
Stap. f.
Family: Poaceae
Introduction
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely grown type of millet. It has been grown in
Africa and the Indian subcontinent since prehistoric times. India is the largest producer of pearl
millet. The center of diversity, and suggested area of domestication, for the crop is in the Sahel zone
of West Africa. Recent archaeobotanical research has confirmed the presence of domesticated pearl
millet on the Sahel zone of northern Mali between 2500 and 2000 BC. Cultivation subsequently
spread and moved overseas to India. The earliest archaeological records in India date to around 2000
BC, and it spread rapidly through India reaching South India by 1500 BC, based on evidence from
the site of Hallur. Cultivation also spread throughout eastern and southern Africa. Records exist for
cultivation of pearl millet in the United States in the 1850s, and the crop was introduced into Brazil
in the 1960s.
Other names
Baajra, Bajri, Sajje, Kambu, Sajjalu, Bulrush millet, Milheto, Cattail millet, Candle millet, Dark
millet
Uses
Leaves used as vegetable. Grain used to produce bread.
161
Local name: Maghi sorisha shak
Scientific name: Brassica napus
Introduction
Rapeseed (Brassica napus), also known as rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rappi, rapaseed (and, in the case
of one particular group of cultivars, canola), is a bright yellow flowering member of the family
Brassicaceae (mustard or cabbage family). The name derives from the Latin for turnip, rapa or rapum,
and is first recorded in English at the end of the 14th century. Older writers usually distinguished the
turnip and rape by the adjectives round and long (-rooted), respectively. Brassica napobrassica is
sometimes considered a variety of Brassica napus. Some botanists include the closely related
Brassica campestris within B. napus.
Other names
Rape, Oilseed rape, Rapa, Rappi, Rapaseed
5–10 mm long. Rooting depth 90–120 cm. Seeds about 5,660–6,000 per 0.01 kg (1/3 oz). The small
dried fruits, mistakenly referred to as seeds, are similar in appearance to those of ajwain, celery, and
caraway. Because of their similarity in both appearance and flavor, it is often confused or substituted
with celery seed.
162
Uses
Brassica napus is cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seed, the third largest source of vegetable oil in
the world. Leaves used as vegetavle.
Local name: Sada sorisha shak

Scientific name: Brassca alba Hook.
Introduction
White mustard (B. alba) is an annual plant of the family Brassicaceae. It is sometimes also referred
to as Brassica alba or B. hirta. Grown for its seeds, mustard, as fodder crop or as a green manure, it
is now widespread worldwide, although it probably originated in the Mediterranean region.
Other names
Sorisha.
5–10 mm long.
Uses
This plant cultivated mainly for its oil-rich seed, the third largest source of vegetable oil in the world.
Leaves used as vegetavle.
163
Local name: Shosha
Scientific name: Cucummis sativus L.
Introduction
Cucumis sativas L. is a most popular cucurbits.
Other names
Cucumber, Khira, Shumash.
Stems scabrous. Leaves 5-angular or slightly lobed, lobes acute hispidulous on both surface and also
often with soft hairs. Leaves 7.5-12.5 cm. in diameter; petiole 5-7.5 cm., petals 1.56 cm., female
peduncle sometimes 5 cm., young ovary muricate with rigid prickles. Fruit glabrous sometimes
tuberculated commonly elongate, cylindric 30.5 by 3.7 cm., the cucumber.
Cultivation
It is cultivated in the following ways, (i) on platform (matcha), (ii) on ground and (iii) on roof.
Distribution
All regions of Bangladesh. Bhutan, Nepal, India, all Tropical and Sub tropical regions.
Uses
The fruits are eaten as salad and vegetable before they are fully mature and are usually peeled. It is
often eaten as a cooked vegetable. The young fruit usually small- fruited cultivates are pickled as
gherkins; the smallest for mixed pickles and small to medium size fruit for dill pickles. The fruits are
much used during summer as a cooking food. They are used as salads and for cooking curries. The
164
tender frits are preferred for pickling kernels of the seeds are used in confectionary. Fruit is
demulcent. Seeds are cooling and diuretic and anthelmntic. Leaves along with cumin seeds
administered in throat affection.
165
References
1. Agharkar SP. 1991. Medicinal plants of Bombay presidency. Scientific Publ, Jodhpur, India.
2. Agharkar SP. 1991. Medicinal Plants of Bombay Presidency. Scientific Publishers,
Jodhpur, India.
3. Agriculture Handbook 165. 1960. Index of plant diseases in the United States. USGPO.
Washington.
4. Anisuzzaman M, Rahman AHMM, Harun-Or-Rashid M, Naderuzzaman ATM and Rafiul
Islam AKM. 2007. An Ethnobotanical Study of Madhupur, Tangail. Jour. of App. Sci. Res.
3(7):519-530.
5. Anon. 1988. Just what the witch doctor ordered. The Economist 307(7544): 75-76.
6. Bailey IW. 1951. The use and abuse of anatomical data in the study of phylogeny and
classification. Phytomorphology, 1:67-69.
7. Bendle A and Kumar A. 1997. Practical Botany. Vol. II. Rastohi Publications. Shivaji.
8. Benson L. 1965. Plant Classification. D. C. Health and Company, United States of America.
9. Bentham G and JD. Hooker, 1862-1883. Genera Palntarum. London, U.K.
10. Bessey CE. 1915. The Phylogenetic Taxonomy of Flowering Plants. Jour. Ann. Miss. Bot.
Gar. New York, USA.
11. Bhandari MM. 1990. Flora of the Indian Desert. Pbl. MPS Repros, Jopdhpur, India. : 320-
323.
12. Bhattacharyya B. and Johri B M. 1998. Flowering Plants Taxonomy and Phylogeny. Prokas
Publishers, Calcutta, India.
13. Biswas K. 1973. Bharatio Banoushadi, Vols. I-VI, Calcutta University Press, Calcutta.
14. Brown, W.V. 1958. Leaf anatomy in grass systematics. Bot. Gaz., 119:170-178.
15. Burch ES. and Ellanna LJ. 1994. Introduction. In: Burch, E.S., Ellanna, L.J. (eds.) Key
Issues in Hunter-Gatherer Research. Berg Publishers Inc., Oxford, pp.1-8.
16. Caius JF. 1986. Medicinal and poisonous plants of India. Pbl. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur,
India. 126-127.
17. Caius JF. 1986. The medicinal and poisonous plants of India. Scientific Publ., Jodhpur India.
p. 220–223.
18. Caius JF. 1998. The medicinal and poisonous plants of India. Scientific Publishers, India.
19. Cronquist A. 1968. The Evolution and Classification of Flowering Plants. Houghton Miftlin,
Boston. U.S.A.
20. Davis PH and Heywood VH. 1973. Principles of Angiosperm Taxonomy. Robert Erieger
Publishing Company, Huntington, New York.
166
21. Duke JA. 1978. The quest for tolerant germplasm. p. 1–61. In: ASA Special Symposium 32,
Crop tolerance to suboptimal land conditions. Am. Soc. Agron. Madison, WI.
22. Duke JA. and Wain KK. 1981. Medicinal plants of the world. Computer index with more
than 85,000 entries. 3 vols.
23. Fedorov AA. 1969. Chromosome number of flowering plants. Academy of Sciences of U S S
R, Moscow.
24. Hadiuzzaman S and Hassan MA. 1979. Baboharic Udvid Biggan. Hassan Book House,
Dhaka.
25. Hartwell J L. 1967–1971. Plants used against cancer. A survey. Lloydia 30–34.
26. Hassan MA and Huq AM. 1993. Gas Gasra Deeya Chikithsha, Hassan Book House, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
27. Hassan MA. 1988. Amader Banoushadi Shampad, Hassan Book House, Dhaka.
28. Heywood VH. 1979. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press, New York,
U.S.A.
29. Heywood VH. 1979. Flowering Plants of the World. Oxford University Press, New York,
U.S.A.
30. Hooker JD. 1877. Flora of British India. L. Reeve and Co. Ltd. London, U.K. 4: 228-246.
31. Hooker JD. 1877. Flora of British India. L. Reeve and Co. ltd. London, U.K. 4, 228-246.
32. Hug RS, Abalaka JA, and Stafford WL. 1983. Folate content of various Nigerian foods. J.
Sci. Food & Agr. 34(4):404–406.
33. Huq AM. 1986. Name Changes in Bangladesh Angiosperms. Bangladesh National
Herbarium, BARC, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
34. Huq AM. 1986. Plant Names of Bangladesh. Bangladesh National Herbarium, BARC,
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
35. Jain N, Ohal CC, Shroff SK, Bhutada RH, Somani RS, Kasture VS, Kasture SB. 2003.
"Clitoria ernatea and the CNS". Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 75 (3): 529.
36. Khan MS and Huq AM. 1975. Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh, BARC, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
37. Khan MS and Mia C. 2002. Solanaceae, Khan MS and Rahman MM (eds). Flora of
Bangladesh. Bangladesh National Herbarium, Dhaka. 53, 1-48.
38. Kirtikar RK and Basu BD. 1987. Vol III. Indian Medicinal Plant. Reprinted. Lalit Mohan
Basu. Allahabad. India.
39. Lawrence GHM. 1973. Taxonomy of Vascular Plants. Oxford and IBM Publishing Co.,
Rakes Press, New Delhi, India.
40. Mahabubur R, Rafiul I, Monzur H. 2013. Taxonomy of Cucurbitaceae. LAP LAMBART
Academic Publishing, Germany.
167
41. Nguyen GK, Zhang S, Nguyen NT, Nguyen PQ, Chiu MS, Hardjojo A, Tam JP. 2011.
"Discovery and characterization of novel cyclotides originated from chimeric precursors
consisting of albumin-1 chain a and cyclotide domains in the Fabaceae family". J Biol Chem.
286 (27): 24275–87.
42. Oyelana AO. 2005. Karyotypic analysis and meiotic chromosomes in eight taxa of Solanum
species (Solanaceae). Acta SATECH, 2(1): 24-29.
43. Prain D. 1903 (rep. ed. 1963). Bengal Plants. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta. India.
44. Rahman AHMM. 2008. Taxonomic studies on the family Asteraceae (Compositae) of the
Rajshahi division, Ph. Thesis, Department of Botany, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
45. Rahman MM. 2009. Solanaceae. PP. 287-320. In: Ahmed Z U, Hassan MA, Begum Z N T,
Khondker M, Kabir S M H, Ahmad M and Ahmed A T A ( eds). Encyclopedia of Flora and
Fauna of Bangladesh. Vol.10. Angiosperm: Dicotyledones (Ranunculaceae- Zygophyllaceae).
Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka.
46. Rendle AB. 1925 (rep. Ed. 1963). The Classification of Flowering Plants. Cambridge
University Press, London, U. K.
47. Sharma OP. 2004. Plant Taxonomy. Tata Mc Grow Hill Publishing Co. Ltd. New Delhi,
India. pp. 312- 318.
48. Tanziman A, Rafiul I, Mahabubur R. 2013. Taxonomy of Solanaceae. LAP LAMBART
Academic Publishing, Germany.
49. Wettstein WR. 1891. Solanaceae. Nat Planzenfam. 4(3B), 4-38.
168

LeafyVegetablesinBangladesh PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

LeafyVegetablesinBangladesh PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Leafy Vegetables in Bangladesh

UBN: 015-A94510112010 Edition: I Impact Index: 4.74

68. Kantanote Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae

Local name: Kolmi shak

Description of the plant

3. Peonidin, an anthocyanidin potentially useful as a food additive, is present in significant quantities

Description of the plant

Amaranthus gangeticus is a annual growing to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8 in). It is hardy to

Description of the plant

Local name: Bothua

Description of the plant

Local name: Puishak

Scientific name: Alternanthera sessilis

Description of the plant

Local name: Morogful shak

Local name: Amrul

Indian sorrd, Wood Sorrell, Sour grass

Description of the plant

Description of the plant

Description of the plant

Local name: Brakhi shak

Bacopa monnieri (waterhyssop, brahmi, thyme-leafed gratiola, water hyssop) is a perennial,

Description of the plant

Description of the plant

Local name: Moulovikochu

Description of the plant

Domestication of Xanthosoma species (especially X. sagittifolium but also X. atrovirens, X.

Local name: Data shak

Description of the plant

Swetbasanta, Biralhatchi, Indian Acalypha, Copperleaf, Indian acalypha, Indian-nettle, three-seeded-

Description of the plant

1. E. scaber is known as a traditional medicine. E. scaber contains elephantopin which is a

Description of the plant

5. Some use Lepidium sativum seeds for indigestion and constipation.

Local name: Marmuri shak

Chickenwort, Craches, Maruns, Winter weed, Chickweed, Craches, maruns, Winterweed.

Growing almost anywhere, it is a common garden weed.

Description of the plant

Local name: Derosh

Cultivated in the garden.

Description of the plant

Description of the plant

Local name: Piajpata

Description of the plant

Cultivated in most of the districts of Bangladesh.

Local name: Roshun pata

Description of the plant

Local name: Kalo sorisha

Local name: Shalgom pata

Helencha, Hinchashak, Harhach, Water Cress, Marsh Herb.

Description of the plant

Local name: Kochu

Description of the plant

Description of the plant

Local name: Mistikumra shak

Description of the plant

Local name: Laushak

Description of the plant

Local name: Shojne

Description of the plant

Local name: But shak

Description of the plant