The Botanical Garden of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Oct 5, 2025 (BSS) - Nestled on the serene banks of the old Brahmaputra River, the Botanical Garden of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh stands as a lush sanctuary of biodiversity. 

A haven for nature lovers and researchers alike, this verdant garden unfolds like a living encyclopedia of plants—where every leaf tells a story of healing and every blossom breathes the essence of life.

There are about 600 species of plants here, both domestic and foreign. Among them are fruits and herbs that are beneficial for health. Rare species of Noni fruit, Baro Masla trees, Kumari Lota, tea, diabetes and cancer-fighting herbs, and coffee plants have enriched the glory of the garden many times over.

Spread over an area of ??about 25 acres, this garden is not only a beautiful place, but it is also a huge collection of thousands of rare and endangered medicinal plants, both domestic and foreign. 

It is the first botanical garden in Bangladesh to be recognized by the international organization Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

The most interesting and important part of this garden is its medicinal plant zone. 

There are about 50 species of herbal plants here, which have been used for centuries to treat various diseases. Many valuable medicinal plants like Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha, Gandhabhaduli, Punarnabha, Kurchi, Bach, Ultchandal, Antamool and Anjan are preserved here. 

These plants are not only beautiful to look at, but each of them has specific health benefits. Visitors can easily learn and get an idea about each plant by visiting this zone.

This botanical garden is not limited to a collection of medicinal plants only, there are various fruit-bearing trees here, which are essential for good health. Each fruit has its own health benefits. For example:

Nani fruit: Nutritionists call the Nani fruit a kind of 'natural multivitamin'. It contains over a hundred nutrients and phytochemicals, which are essential for the human body and prevent cancer.

Star apple: It is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which helps in improving digestion and reducing the risk of heart disease.

American guava: This fruit, rich in vitamin C and fiber, increases the body's immunity and helps in controlling diabetes.

Grapes: It contains flavonoids and antioxidants, which reduce the risk of heart disease and help in controlling blood pressure.

Passion fruit: This fruit helps in reducing anxiety and insomnia, and the vitamins A and C in it increase the body's immunity.

The pot house located inside the garden is like a treasure trove of medicinal and aromatic plants. There are numerous medicinal plants here like Apang, Petari, Basak, Uchanti, Ishwarmool, Raina, Dadmardan, Hurhuria, Muta, Kalahuja, Atashi, Swarnalata, Chapra, Harina, Asamalta, Jeer, Ultchandal, Falsa, Tokma, Jatropha, Lal Ria, Mahua, Nagkeshar, Jayatri, Kalijira, Raktachita, Sarpagandha, Dudhkaracha and Indrajab.

Each plant here has its own medicinal benefits, which are known to the locals as a solution to many diseases. To make this collection more fruitful, there is also a special publication, where detailed information about the use of each medicinal plant along with its description and pictures is given.

Talking to BSS, Muhammad Saiful Haque Masum, Deputy Chief Garden Superintendent of the Botanical Garden of BAU, said noni fruit contains antioxidants, which are a very effective antidote for cancer. 

He said if those who have cancer cells in their body consume it for 15-20 days in one season in the first stage, their cancer can be cured. 

“We have seen this on various social media platforms as well as seen many people eating it. It is a very nutritious fruit,” said Masum.

“We planted this tree in our botanical garden 7 years ago and it bears a lot of fruit. However, it has a slight smell, due to which many people refrain from eating it. However, it has many benefits. Many studies have been done on this fruit abroad,” he said.

Masum said Noni fruit may not taste like conventional fruits, but its nutritional value and herbal benefits have established it as a potential 'superfood'. 

He also expressed hope if the government and private organizations conduct consciousness raising campaign about noni fruit, it can take its rightful place in Bangladesh, which will take the country's herbal industry to a new height.
Regarding the Kumarilata tree, he said, this tree is a vine. The specialty of this tree is that by eating the young tip of this tree, youth can be maintained, he said adding especially girls in the hilly areas eat it a lot. 

“It is a very soft type of leaf and there is no toxicity in the body when eaten. It contains the strength and strengthening elements of the human body and if eaten regularly, people naturally do not get elderly easily. Especially girls can eat it to maintain youth,” he said. 

He said that is probably why it has been given the name Kumarilata. “Another special feature of it is that snakes like it a lot. They try to eat the tip before humans. Just as a human likes it, snakes also like it very much,” he said.

About the Baro Masala tree, he said, the All Spices tree is also known as Baro Masala. 

“The speciality of its leaves is that if you tear and twist it and bring it to your nose, you can get the aroma of various spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. For this reason, it is very effective in enhancing the taste of cooking. It also has many health benefits,” he said.

These leaves contain a lot of antioxidants, which increase the immunity of the human body, said Masum. 

“If you boil the leaves and drink the water, it becomes red like blood and its taste is also quite good. Regular consumption of these leaves increases the antioxidant levels of the body, which can be helpful in preventing cancer and other diseases,” he said.

Masum said this botanical garden is not just an entertainment center, it is a living laboratory. 

University students come here and gain practical knowledge, he said, adding that in particular, students of the Department of Crop Botany can learn about plant identification, plant leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds and their medicinal properties directly in this garden in their practical classes.

Masters and PhD students also use the plants in this garden for their research, said Masum. 

He said it is also an important learning area for students from other agricultural universities in the country.

Masum said this botanical garden in Mymensingh is a unique example of the flora of Bangladesh. It plays an important role in conserving rare and endangered plants, creating research opportunities and introducing the common people to nature, he added.

“At a time when greenery is disappearing in this era of urbanization, this garden reminds us how essential nature is for good health. It is not just a garden, but a living reflection of health, education and conservation,” he said.