Arundina graminifolia (D.Don) Hochr.

Family: Orchidaceae

Synonym: Arundina densiflora Hook.f.,Bletia graminifolia D.Don

Bengali/Vernacular name: Ghasphul.

Tribal name: Boss (Tanchangya).

English name: Bird orchid.

Description of the plant: A tall terrestrial, perennial, erect herb; stem more than 1m long, woody, elongate, rigid, bearing many grass-likes leaves. Leaves borne in two ranks, linear-lanceolate, 20-25 cm long, acuminate, alternate, sheathing, entire, many-nerved. Inflorescence 8-22 cm long, terminal; flowers purple red, pink to white. Fruit a capsule, ribbed.

Plant parts used: Leaf, stem, root.

Herbal uses: Juice extracted from the leaves and roots of the plant is used to treat ear pain.

A decoction made with the roots of the plant is used to treatrheumatism and joint pain.

The roots of the plant are used for the treatment of snakebite and also to cure intestinal and biliary colic disorders.

A paste made with the leaves and stems of the plant is applied to the boils once a day for four days to treat carbuncles.

Juice extracted from bulbous stems of the plant is used to treat cracks of hand and feet.

Roots and stems of the plant are used to treat jaundice, beriberi, abdominal pain, and sores. 

Distribution: The species is scattered in distribution throughout hilly areas of Bangladesh especially in Bandarban, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Sylhet districts.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….