Mangrove apple (Sonneratia alba, A.Rees, Cycl. 33: n.º 2 (1816))

Family: Lythraceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: A.Rees, Cycl. 33: n.º 2 (1816)

Year: 1816

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sonneratia

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Somalia to Mozambique and Pacific, N. Australia

Description

Mangrove apple, scientifically known as Sonneratia alba, is a fascinating and ecologically vital species belonging to the family Lythraceae. This resilient plant is predominantly found in the coastal regions stretching from Somalia to Mozambique and extending to the Pacific, including the northern parts of Australia.

The mangrove apple thrives in harsh, saline environments where other vegetation may struggle, playing a crucial role in stabilizing shorelines and preventing soil erosion. Its extensive and sturdy root system not only anchors the soil but also provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms, thereby supporting biodiversity. The roots, often extending above the water, enable the plant to breathe even during high tides.

The tree itself is noteworthy for its robust, spreading canopy and unique adaptations to its environment. The leaves of Sonneratia alba are thick and leathery, adapted to minimize water loss in a saline habitat. The flowers, which bloom predominantly during the evening, are white and are known for their distinctive, powder-puff appearance due to the numerous long stamens. These flowers are particularly attractive to nocturnal pollinators such as bats, which play a key role in their pollination process.

One of the most distinctive features of this species is its fruit, commonly known as the mangrove apple. The fruit is globular, green, and somewhat woody, enclosing numerous small seeds. It is known for its importance in local ecosystems and its use in traditional remedies and local cuisines. The mangrove apple fruit has a tart flavor, and in some cultures, it is consumed raw or cooked and utilized in various culinary dishes.

Historically, Sonneratia alba was first described by Sm. in A. Rees’ Cyclopaedia published in 1816. This early documentation reflects the longstanding acknowledgment of this plant’s significance within its native range.

In essence, the mangrove apple is much more than just a tree; it is a linchpin of coastal ecosystems, contributing to the health and sustainability of these environments. Its presence ensures the continued protection and nourishment of the marine and terrestrial life forms that rely on these areas to thrive.

Common Names

Msa: perepat
Jpn: ハマザクロ／マヤプシキ
En: Mangrove apple, လမု၊ တၞံ
My: လမဲ့ပင်
Zh: 杯萼海桑
Fi: Valko-omenamangrove
Id: Perepat
Ja: ハマザクロ／マヤプシキ
Ms: Pokok Perepat, Perepat
Ml: സൊന്നറേഷിയ അൽബ
Ru: Соннератия белая
Sw: Mlilana
Zh-tw: 杯萼海桑
Vi: Bần trắng

Synonyms

• Chiratia leucantha (Montrouz.)
• Sonneratia mossambicensis (Klotzsch)
• Sonneratia iriomotensis (Masam.)
• Sonneratia alba var. iriomotensis ((Masam.) Masam.)
• Sonneratia pagatpat (Blanco)
• Blatti pagatpat ((Blanco) Nied.)
• Sonneratia acida var. mossambicensis ((Klotzsch) Mattei)
• Blatti alba ((Sm.) Kuntze)
• Blatti leucantha ((Montrouz.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Aldabra (native)
• Andaman Is. (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Gilbert Is. (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maldives (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marshall Is. (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 27, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 27, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by prasadnayak2002 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Bint Mikidar Nousayba (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by Agnes Dau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Gaby Goetz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by Ula Zaborowska (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by Jannie Shelton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2022 by Gaby Goetz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5406998)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:554265-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sonneratia alba Sm.)

Specifications

Growth