The Palashi vine, a rare and nearly extinct plant species, is drawing crowds of visitors and content creators to the Dharmapur Sal Forest in Dinajpur’s Biral upazila. Known for its unique, intricate patterns as it drapes across trees, the vine has recently gained attention for its striking appearance.
Located in the border-adjacent Dharmapur union, the Sal forest spans approximately 3,000 acres and is home to a variety of flora including sal, teak, akashmoni, deodar, nalkhagra, cane, and wild date palm, as well as diverse species of wildlife. The forest extends beyond a barbed-wire fence into India, connecting with Kushomundi on the other side.
Visitors such as Matiur Rahman say the sight of the Palashi vine brings a sense of peace and a unique emotional experience, in addition to the forest’s natural beauty. Many now visit regularly to witness its charm.
Biral Dharmapur Forest Beat Officer Mohsin Ali said the area has been declared a national park, although formal operations have yet to begin. Locals have long called for the forest to be fully developed as a national park. While the Palashi vine has existed here for many years, it has only recently attracted widespread interest due to its thick growth and unusual formations.
Locally, the plant is known by several names, including “Bandhana” and “Sal Lata,” while in India it is referred to as “Hati Bandha Lata.”
