Do you know about Bangladesh National Flower? Bangladesh is a beautiful country known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse flora and fauna, and beautiful landscapes. The country has several national symbols that represent its unique identity and cultural heritage. One of these symbols is the white water lily, which is Bangladesh’s national flower.
Botanical Description of Bangladesh National Flower
The white water lily, scientifically known as Nymphaea nouchali, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. The plant has large, fragrant, and showy flowers that bloom during the monsoon season. The flower is pure white, and its petals are arranged in a star-shaped pattern. The plant has green, round leaves with a wavy edge that float on the surface of the water.
The plant thrives in shallow, still water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. It prefers full sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. The plant’s roots are anchored to the bottom of the water body, while the leaves and flowers float on the surface of the water.
Symbolic Significance of Bangladesh National Flower
White water lily holds immense cultural and symbolic significance in Bangladesh’s history, art, and literature. The plant is associated with purity, tranquility, and spirituality. In Bangladesh, the white water lily is commonly known as “Shapla,” which means “lily” in Bengali. It is also known as “Nymphaea nouchali” or “Padma” in Sanskrit.
The flower is widely used in traditional Bengali art and literature, and it is considered a symbol of national pride and identity. It is also used in various religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals.
Medicinal Properties of Lily
Apart from its cultural and symbolic significance, white water lily has several health benefits and medicinal properties. The plant’s leaves and flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote good health and well-being. They are known to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
White water lily is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and inflammation. The plant’s roots are believed to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Economic Significance of Bangladesh National Flower
White water lily has several commercial uses, including food, cosmetics, and perfumes. In Bangladesh, the plant is widely used in traditional cuisine, and its flowers are used to make sweets and desserts. The flower is also used to make perfumes and essential oils due to its fragrant properties.
Conservation Status of Bangladesh National Flower
Despite its cultural, medicinal, and economic significance, white water lily is facing threats due to habitat loss, pollution and over-harvesting. The plant is listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the rapid decline in its population in recent years. Several conservation efforts are underway in Bangladesh to protect and conserve the white water lily. The government has taken various initiatives to protect the plant by declaring certain areas as protected zones and imposing strict regulations on its harvesting.
Similarities with Other National Flowers
White water lily has some similarities with other national flowers, such as the Indian lotus, which is the national flower of India. Both plants belong to the same family and have similar growth habits and cultural significance. However, white water lily is smaller in size and has a different color and shape than the Indian lotus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, white water lily is a symbol of national pride and identity in Bangladesh. The plant’s cultural and symbolic significance, medicinal properties, and economic importance make it a vital part of the country’s heritage and economy. However, the plant is facing threats due to habitat loss and over-harvesting, and concerted efforts are needed to protect and conserve it.
FAQs
- What is the significance of white water lily in Bengali culture?
White water lily is considered a symbol of purity, tranquility, and spirituality in Bengali culture. It is widely used in traditional art, literature, and religious ceremonies.
- What are the health benefits of white water lily?
White water lily has several health benefits, including stress and anxiety reduction, antioxidant properties, and pain-relieving properties.
- What are the commercial uses of white water lily?
White water lily is used in traditional cuisine, perfumes, and essential oils due to its fragrant properties.
- Why is white water lily facing threats?
White water lily is facing threats due to habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting.
- What is the conservation status of white water lily?
White water lily is listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the rapid decline in its population.
References
- “White Water Lily – National Flower of Bangladesh.” World of Flowers, https://worldoffloweringplants.com/white-water-lily-national-flower-bangladesh/. Accessed 10 May 2023.
- “Nymphaea nouchali.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/161842/5504878. Accessed 10 May 2023.
- “White Water Lily (Shapla).” Bangladesh High Commission, https://bhclondon.org.uk/about-bangladesh/shapla/. Accessed 10 May 2023.
