The striking beauty of Phonimansa (Prickly Pear cactus) in full bloom along the Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive has been drawing the admiration of tourists. Locals say the plant thrives naturally in the coastal shrublands bordering the scenic seaside highway.
During a recent visit, clusters of Phonimansa were seen blooming with bright yellow flowers, adding splashes of color to the otherwise wild shrubbery and instantly catching the eye of passersby.
The Phonimansa typically grows between one and three meters tall. Unlike most plants, its stems serve the role of leaves—flat, green, and fleshy, enabling it to carry out photosynthesis.
Belonging to the Cactaceae family, the species is globally known as the Prickly Pear cactus. The plant is slow-growing but remarkably hardy, capable of surviving for many years if left undisturbed. The Greeks once referred to such thorny plants as “cactus,” giving the family its name.
Botanists note that the Phonimansa contains several essential minerals, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which contribute to its nutritional and medicinal value.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
