Just as nature has begun to come back to life after overcoming the harshness of winter, the ever-familiar wildflower ‘Bhat’ has blossomed on the roads and outskirts of Kushtia, heralding the arrival of the king of seasons, spring. Wherever the eye looks, nature is adorned with clusters of white and light purple bhat flowers. In different areas of the district, including the Kumarkhali-Khoksa road, the shrubby plant Bhat flowers, which grows carelessly and carelessly in various roads and rural environments of the district, has adorned its beautiful display. Pedestrians are enchanted by the clusters of bhat flowers blooming in all corners of the rural environment, on both sides of roads and bhat paths, on the banks of rivers, canals, and water bodies.
This flower, which blooms with the arrival of the king of the seasons, not only enhances the beauty of nature, but also spreads peace in people’s minds. Young people studying in schools and colleges can be seen holding Bhatphul in their hands; even small children are playing with this beautiful flower.
Bhatphul is a branched perennial herbaceous flowering plant. Its scientific name is Clerodendrum viscosum and in English it is known as ‘Hill Glory Bower Flower’. This white flower with a light purple hue blooms in clusters with five petals. Usually, this flower starts blooming in early spring and its fragrance becomes more intense at night. The Indian subcontinent is the original home of this plant. Depending on the region, it is also called Banjai, Ghetu Phul, Bhaita Phul or Ghantakarna, but it is most commonly known as Bhatphul.
Bhatphul is not limited to beauty only; It also has various medicinal properties. According to Ayurveda, the leaves of the bhat tree contain antioxidants and fiber, which are helpful in controlling blood pressure. The fiber in it helps in relieving constipation. Since the leaves contain anti-diabetic elements, it is also beneficial in controlling diabetes. In addition, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements, the bhat tree is used as an aid in curing respiratory diseases. Its leaves are also used to increase immunity and improve digestion. Since ancient times, its leaves, seeds, flowers and fruits have been used as herbal medicines for various diseases.
Kumarkhali Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Raisul Islam said, “When bhat flowers bloom, it is understood that spring has come to nature. When bhat flowers bloom at the end of winter, nature takes on a new look. Bhat flowers are truly charming in the rural environment. When Phalgun comes, bhat flowers bloom on trees and add a new level of beauty to nature.” “The number of bhat trees is decreasing day by day in rural nature. We all have to come forward to preserve bhat and endangered medicinal plants to maintain the balance of the environment.”
Agriculturalist Md. Raisul Islam also said, “Any flower is a source of beauty. The bhat flower that blooms in early spring is an eternal beauty of rural Bengal. At this time, the bhat flower seems to reign in nature. This flower has decorated the surrounding environment.” The bhat flower that blooms with the touch of spring is therefore not only an ornament of nature, but also a symbol of the tradition and medicinal resources of rural Bengal, which is attracting everyone’s attention again.