Bruguiera sexangula

(Loureiro) Poiret

Golden orange mangrove

Rhizophoraceae Edible: Fruit 95 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Bruguiera sexangula is a species of flowering plant in the family Rhizophoraceae. It is sometimes referred to by the common name upriver orange mangrove. This mangrove shrub or tree grows up to 15 m, occasionally 30 m, in height.

Description

A medium sized erect tree. It grows to 40 m high. The trunk is 80 cm across. The bark is grey. The bark is thick, ridged and very dark and contains a few large brown corky spots. The leaves are pointed at the tip and wedge shaped at the base. The midrib is prominent and the upper surface shiny while the lower surface is reddish brown. The leaves are 10-13 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and sometimes tinged with orange. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are about 2.5 cm long. The fruit is cylindrical similar to "busaing" except that the germinating root is shorter. Seeds germinate on the tree before falling.

Edible Uses

The fruit is sometimes used as an ingredient in the masticatory betel quid. The fruit is cooked, then soaked overnight and eaten, although it is very astringent. A flavouring is obtained from the bark.

Traditional Uses

The embryo of the fruit is soaked overnight, then cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The mangrove has various traditional uses in Asia. The developing embryos and the fruits are cooked and eaten after soaking. Juice from the fruits is used to treat sore eyes, shingles and burns. The timber is heavy, hard and strong and is used as poles as well as for firewood and charcoal.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mud flats and estuaries. They are found in mangrove swamps throughout the Philippines.

Where It Grows

Andamans & Nicobar, Asia, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Christmas Island, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Micronesia, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Pacific, Palau, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Yap,

Cultivation

The seeds germinate on the tree then fall and root in the mud. Seedlings transplant easily.

Propagation

Seed - in a trial in the Philippines seed germinated 5 - 10 days after sowing.

Other Uses

The bark is used as a source of tannin. Although the bark is thinner than that obtained from Rhizophora spp., it contains more tannin. An adhesive is obtained from the bark. The wood often has an attractive colour. It is straight-grained, fine-textured, heavy, very hard and very strong. It is difficult to saw and work, though it finishes well. It is non-durable to moderately durable when exposed to weather or in contact with the ground. The logs shrink and check excessively in seasoning. In the trade it is not distinguished from Rhizophora wood. The wood is often of too small a dimension to be used for much other than fuel, but that obtained from well-grown trees is suitable for poles and house construction. It is traditionally also used for fishing stakes The wood makes a good fuel and is also used to make charcoal. Wood from immature plants and branches is usually used for this purpose. The energy value of the wood is about 20,200 kJ/kg.

Other Information

It is not known if it is used for food in Papua New Guinea.

Notes

There are 6 Bruguiera species. They grow in tropical mangrove swamps.

Synonyms

Bruguiera australis A. Cunn. ex Arn.Bruguiera eriopetala Wightand others

Also Known As

Bodaa vaki, Klak, Kong klak hua sum, Langgadai, Mata buaya, Pang ka hua sum, Pasak deng, Phlaong, Pototan, Saung, Tumu barau, Tumu mata buaya

References (25)

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