The Sagarlata (Beach Morning Glory), locally known as “Daunga” in Cox’s Bazar, creates a beautiful green tapestry across the soft sands. Recently, the sprawling dunes of Mermaid Beach Resort have come alive with this plant, adorned by striking pink and purple funnel-shaped flowers.
This unique sight has already drawn attention from both local and international tourists. Mermaid’s gardener, Monir, shared that Sagarlata dominated the coast from Cox’s Bazar to Teknaf about a decade ago, but it has gradually disappeared. Recognising this, Mermaid Beach Resort has taken steps to conserve the plant over the last few years.
Sagarlata can grow to over 100 feet, spreading freely in undisturbed areas and anchoring itself in the sand to prevent soil erosion. It plays a vital role in building dunes by trapping loose sand, helping protect the beach from erosion, and shielding coastal communities from storm surges and high waves.
By Mohammad Morshed
