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Aquatic flowers merit attention

by Prof M R Khan
The countryside of Bangladesh looks like a green carpet stretched from horizon to horizon and occasionally Interrupted by the riverlnes, canals, ditches, 'blls', and 'haors'. This scenic green beauty occasionally bursts out into different shades of colour here and there to reveal their wealth of flowers. Bangladesh is very rich In vegetation and we are really proud of it
But approximately one third of the total area Is occupied by natural water bodies and we often forget to appreciate the inhabitants adapted to the aquatic habitats. These are the aquatic plants either submerged, emergent or floating-they all like water. Whether they love it or live In it, they are commonly known as aquatic plants.
It is a fact that during a particular season, the beautiful water lilies growing In the uncared for ditches by the rail roads attracts the eyes of travellers not only for the show off but possibly also to remind of the very temporary existence of oneself.
However, we can start with the water lilies, not because of the fact that one of the members of this group is our national flower, but these are also found to be growing so comfortably and profusely in our country that one can hardly overlook. The common water lilies belong to the family Nymphaeaeaceae and
7 genus Nymphaea. The generic name is derived from Nympha, a goddess in Creek and Roman mythology.
Our national flower, the white Shapla' as It Is locally called. Is scientifically known as Nymphaea nouchali. Next to the white Shapla, one may come across the red ones, known as Rakta Shapla': while the yellow and blue varieties are comparatively rare. The blue water lily or the Neel Kamal' is considered to be a different species of Nymphasea and designated as N »tellata. The flowers of N. capensls, a slightly different variety remains open almost throughout the day. Some variations in the colour shades are also observed. A cluster of Shapla' Is not only a scenic beauty, but Its underground stem, petiole and the seeds are edible. These are real delicacies one can enjoy while travelling through the villages.
The lotps of Padma', another member of the water lilies, has been acclaimed as the symbolic expression of Kx and beauty. It has n painted, sculptured and praised through literatures. If the Rose Is accepted as the champion In beauty contest, then the Lotus is definitely the runner up. Ito colour, grace, beauty and fragrance have made it unique. It has been associated with gods and goddesses in mythology. In
Bangladesh mostly we get the lotus, while the white lotuses are found on the high altitudes. The lotus honey is used as a medicament. The lotus of Padma' is scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera. It Is considered as a sacred flower in Egypt. India, Burma and Sri Lanka. The seeds are edible.
The 'Makhan' or the Euryale ferox is also a floating plant but the design of the flower is different. The leaves are approximately three feet in diameter while the red small flowers are rather Insignificant The stalk and the fruits are prickly. The seeds are edible.
Victoria amazonica or the Amazon lilies are the giant water Hiles. These are rarely grown in the garden ends of Bangladesh. The ves may grow up to 180 cm or more in diameter and the flowers 20-40 ems across. The flowers are nocturnal and sweetly scented.
Kalmai Lata' or the Ipomoea aquatlca to a trailer on mud or floating on water. The flowers are pink of pale lilac-found all over the country. The leaves and the young shoots are edible.
Kachuru pana are the members of the hyacinth group and are particularly adapted to the aquatic habitat. The scientific name is Elchornla crasstpcs. Being Introduced from Brazil aa an ornamental plant*