Morphology and nutritional value of Aponogeton undulatus Roxb. growing in deeply flooded areas in Bangladesh

Abstract

Aponogeton undulatus Roxb. grows in abundance throughout the deeply flooded land in the Northeast Region of Bangladesh. The plant has the ability to elongate and tolerate submergence after deep flooding. The elongation ability is expressed chiefly by the elongation of petiole. The rootstock of the plant is an important food item for the low-income people in this deeply flooded area. Rice is the main crop in this area providing the major source of energy and protein. However, the crop is often damaged by floods. The nutrient composition of rootstock of Aponogeton undulatus Roxb. shows that it can provide an adequate supply of carbohydrate, protein and some minerals. This food can be exceptionally useful as a nutrient supplement in many areas where purchasing power is limited because of low incomes. Four species of Aponogeton are found in Bangladesh. The aquatic environment prevailing in the deeply flooded area in Bangladesh has great potential in terms of propagation of these species. If this potential can be realized it would improve the nutrition of the people and maintain biodiversity and traditional ecosystems. Further study on the chemical composition of rootstock, and ecological, morphological and physiological characteristics of all the Aponogeton species would be of great value.