Cactus enthusiasts are flocking to Madaripur to witness the blooming of the rare and visually striking notocactus at the district’s horticulture centre.
Visitors are gathering almost daily at the centre, drawn by the yellow flowers that have recently blossomed on the notocactus, a plant known for its distinctive spines and rounded shape.
The Horticulture Centre, located near Mostafapur Boro Bridge in Mastofapur Union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila, features a dedicated cactus corner showcasing around 225 varieties collected over the past few years.
The collection was initiated by the centre’s Deputy Director Ashutosh Kumar Biswas, who began gathering cactus species out of personal interest before expanding it into a large and diverse display.
He sourced plants from online platforms, nurseries, and private collections, gradually building one of the most extensive cactus collections in the area within two and a half years.
The notocactus, native to parts of South America including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Mexico, has become the main attraction after its recent bloom.
Its bright yellow flower emerging from a spiny body has caught the attention of visitors and plant lovers alike.
Imran Badsha, who travelled from Baherchar Katla village in Panchkhola Union, said he visited the centre with friends after hearing about the bloom and found the flower “very beautiful.”
He said he plans to collect a sapling once it becomes available.
Another visitor Samia Akter said she is fond of plants, especially rare varieties, and came to see the flower as soon as she heard about it.
She described the yellow bloom among sharp spines as “exceptional.”
Biswas said the notocactus sapling was collected from Thailand about three years ago and has flowered only recently after careful nurturing.
He said it is likely the first time the notocactus has bloomed at the Madaripur centre.
Following the bloom, demand for the plant has increased, with many visitors expressing interest in purchasing saplings.
He added that the plant was initially bought for Tk500 and is now valued at around Tk1,500.
The centre is working on producing saplings and plans to make them available at a lower price of around Tk100 to encourage wider cultivation.
