A spectacular Mussaenda plant, locally known as Nagaballi, has become a major attraction at the Cox’s Bazar Horticulture Centre, where its dense clusters of pink and white blooms are captivating visitors.
Located beside the centre’s pond, the fully blossomed plant appears, at first glance, to have almost no leaves. Instead, it is almost entirely covered with colourful floral bracts, giving the impression of a giant bouquet in full bloom.
The plant has reached its peak flowering during the monsoon, attracting a steady stream of nature lovers and photography enthusiasts each day.
According to botanists, Mussaenda belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is an ornamental shrub or small tree widely cultivated for its striking appearance. Native to the Philippines, it is now grown in many countries as a popular landscaping plant.
Among its well-known cultivars are Donna Luz (pink), Donna Alicia (deep pink), Queen Sirikit (light pink), Donna Aurora (white) and Donna Eva (deep red), all prized for their colourful and long-lasting displays.
Mohammad Akbar Hossain Siddiqui, deputy assistant horticulture officer at the Cox’s Bazar Horticulture Centre, said the centre carefully maintains a wide range of plant species.
“We collect seeds from mature plants and produce new saplings to help conserve and expand the cultivation of rare and ornamental species,” he said.
He added that with proper care and favourable growing conditions, Mussaenda remains in bloom for an extended period, making it one of the most eye-catching ornamental plants for visitors and nature enthusiasts alike.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
