GAIBANDHA, July 15: Dhol Kalmi, a herbaceous plant whose stems can be used to make paper, is on the verge of extinction from the district.
Once it grew extensively in fields and on roadsides and canal sides in all remote rural areas of the country.
Dhol Kalmi flower that blooms throughout the year attracts public attention. Its flower is more common during the period from autumn to winter. Black wasps come to the flowers for honey.
Its trees turn into a thick bush in a short time, prevent soil erosion and grow beautiful flowers. In rural areas, the trees are used for land fences.
Many people also use Dhol Kalmi trees as fuel. It grows on the riverbanks or in large crop fields and provides a nesting place for birds.
Various birds eat insects sitting on Dhol Kalmi trees. Children play with Dhol Kalmi flowers.
Once upon a time, most of the families in various villages here used this Dhol Kalmi as the main material for fencing around crop fields, ponds and dwellings.
Some are reinforcing fences using nets and bamboo mats with grafted trees. Many have used the extra portion as cooking fuel.
The seeds and leaves of Dhol Kalmi contain poisonous substances. And its leaves are not eaten by cows and goats because of the bitter taste of the white flesh. So, its use as a fence is more in demand.
Dhol Kalmi is drought and flood tolerant and can survive in adverse environment.
In the last 90s, there was an attempt to destroy this tree due to fear of insects. A kind of insect in the Dhol Kalmi tree spread a terrible fear across the country.
Rumour has it that this insect is so dangerous that a bite is certain to kill, even a touch can be life-threatening.
The news was broadcasted on radio, TV, newspapers like the news of death of epidemic like how many died and how many went to hospital throughout the month.
Common people all over the country en masse, even local administration cut down Dhol Kalmi trees.
When the panic was at its peak, an expert on TV caught the insect, released it on his hand, walked, then crushed it with his hand, proving that it was actually a very harmless insect, not life-threatening at all.
Panic scares, rumours and the role of the media are now a matter of education.
This Dhol Kalmi, however, has an important role in keeping the soil of riverbanks, canals, preventing soil erosion and preventing erosion.
Dhol Kalmi, known as a natural fence in the rural areas of Bangladesh, should be taken by everyone to conserve and expand this valuable plant to protect life and nature.
atik.mms2014@gmail.com