Mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata, Enum. Pl. Javae 1: 91 (1827))

Family: Rhizophoraceae

Author: Blume

Bibliography: Enum. Pl. Javae 1: 91 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhizophora

Vegetable: False

Observations: China (S. Guangxi) to Trop. Asia and NW. Pacific, N. Northern Territories to NE. Queensland

Description

Mangrove, scientifically known as Rhizophora apiculata, is a significant species within the Rhizophoraceae family. First described by Blume in the year 1827, appearing in the publication “Enum. Pl. Javae” on page 91, this plant is integral to the ecological health and stability of tropical coastal environments.

Thriving in regions from Southern Guangxi in China to the broader Tropical Asia and northwest Pacific, Rhizophora apiculata extends its range from the northern territories to northeastern Queensland. These areas are favored due to the unique ecological niche they offer, marked by saline coastal waters and intertidal zones where the balance of fresh and saltwater creates an ideal habitat.

Characterized by its robust root systems and ability to withstand high saline conditions, the Mangrove plays a crucial role in coastal protection. Its dense root networks anchor soil effectively, reducing erosion caused by tides and storms, and provide a critical buffer against natural disasters like tsunamis. Moreover, the roots offer vital nursery grounds for a plethora of marine species, sustaining biodiversity and bolstering fisheries.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Rhizophora apiculata contributes to carbon sequestration, capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in their biomass and soil. This function is essential in mitigating climate change, highlighting the importance of preserving and restoring mangrove populations worldwide.

Overall, Rhizophora apiculata is more than just a plant; it is a cornerstone of tropical coastal ecosystems, fostering biodiversity, enabling sustainable fisheries, and playing a significant role in climate regulation. Through understanding and protecting this species, we safeguard not only the diverse life it supports but also the coastal communities that rely on its presence.

Common Names

Msa: bakau minyak
Eng: mangrove
Tha: duoc doi
En: Mangrove, Tall-stilt Mangrove
Ms: Bakau minyak
Th: Duoc Doi

Synonyms

• Rhizophora candelaria (DC.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Theophile Ijezie (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Triet Minh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Habibullah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

© 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/3086526)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:719801-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhizophora apiculata Blume)

Specifications

Growth