Distinguishing Sajna and Lajna Varieties

Sajna has long been widely recognized as a medicinal vegetable of the spring season. It is considered highly effective as a preventive remedy against measles and chickenpox.

To meet growing market demand, a hybrid variety of Sajna known as Lajna has already been developed. To the naked eye, both appear similar, leading many consumers to mistakenly purchase Lajna as Sajna. However, despite their resemblance, there are several fundamental differences in their structure, flowers, yield, plant size, and cultivation methods. While the slender Sajna produces once a year, the dwarf Lajna yields throughout the year.

On this matter, botanist and researcher Zinnia Nasrin said that Sajna is also known in some regions as Sajina or Moringa, while Lajna is referred to regionally as Raikhanjan or Bahupallava. Although they look nearly identical, clear differences exist between the two.

According to sources from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the first noticeable difference lies in height and structure. The indigenous Sajna tree grows straight and tall, reaching heights of approximately 10–12 meters or more, with branches spreading upward. In contrast, Lajna is a bushy or dwarf variety, typically limited to a height of 4–6 meters, making it easier to maintain and harvest.

Their trunks and branches also differ. Sajna has a strong trunk with relatively smooth and thin bark, eventually developing into a sturdy woody tree with age. It can be propagated easily by planting cut branches in soil. Lajna, on the other hand, has a softer and thicker stem. Although it grows rapidly, it is generally not as strong as Sajna. Like Sajna, Lajna can also be propagated through cuttings, but it is more commonly cultivated from seeds.

There are also differences in flowering and fruiting cycles. Sajna is a seasonal plant that flowers once a year, typically in late spring, producing pods only once annually. Its flowers are whitish or off-white, and during flowering, the leaves fall off, leaving fruits hanging on a leafless tree. Lajna, however, is known as a year-round variety. It flowers and fruits at least twice a year, and in some cases, throughout the year. Its flowers are smaller, darker creamy in color, and feature reddish markings on the petals—features absent in Sajna flowers. Additionally, Lajna trees retain their leaves even during flowering, remaining leafy year-round.

Agricultural experts note that Lajna begins yielding within 6–8 months of planting, whereas Sajna takes nearly 2 years to produce fruit. As a result, much of what is currently flooding the market as Sajna is actually Lajna.

Closer inspection reveals further differences. Sajna pods are relatively slender, longer than one foot, rich in fiber, and highly flavorful. They remain fresh green and straight throughout their growth. In contrast, Lajna pods are shorter, thicker, and more fleshy. Many consider Lajna to be less tasty than Sajna, sometimes with a slightly bitter flavor. Its pods are grayish-green, comparatively thicker, slightly curved, with a softer interior but tougher outer skin.

However, experts affirm that both vegetables possess medicinal properties. Both Sajna and Lajna are effective in protecting against various spring-related illnesses.

DBTech/SI/MUIM/OR