Red mangrove, Large-fruited orange mangrove
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza

Family: Rhizophoraceae

What it is like

A large evergreen tree up to 36 m high with stilt and knee-like roots. The trunk can be 80 cm across and is mostly straight. The bark is rough and grey on the outside and red inside. The leaves are mostly clustered near the ends of the many branches. The leaves are oval and leathery simple leaves and 15- 22 cm x 6-9 cm. They are pointed at the tip and the base is wedge shaped. The tip of the leaves does not have the midrib extended. The upper surface is shiny and the lower surface dull. The leaf stalk is red. The flowers are distinctive and often found washed up along the sand and mud. They are red and occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are 3 to 4 cm across. The outer case of sepals is bell shaped and leathery and for half its length has narrow pointed teeth. These are usually 12 to 15 in number. The fruit is long in shape and 3 cm long. It can germinate and produce a hypocotyl which is a long green structure growing from the centre of the flower and is up to 25 cm long. It has ridges along it. The leaves are more densely grouped together than with Bruguiera sexangula and also the fruit are longer.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They occur in mangrove swamps throughout the Philippines, and Asian and Pacific countries. It occurs in mangrove swamps but in the driest, best aerated soil. It can tolerate brackish or salt water flooded by high tide. It normally grows between sea level and 2 m altitude. It does best with temperatures between 20-30°C. It grows in acid to neutral soils with a pH between 4 and 7.4. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, American Samoa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bougainville, Brunei, Cambodia, Caroline Islands, China, Christmas Island, Chuuk, East Africa, East Timor, Ethiopia, Fiji, FSM, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rotuma, Ryukyu, Samoa, SE Asia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yap

How it is used for food

The fruit are boiled twice in water, the outer covering being removed between the cookings. The starchy fruit are then eaten. Young leaves may be eaten, cooked. The timber is a good fuel but corrodes metal while burning.

In Australia the fruit are now rarely used but in the Solomon Islands these fruit are becoming a more popular item for sale and cooking. It is important in some small Pacific Islands.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, roots

How it is grown

It grows wild. Seeds normally germinate and sprout while still attached to the tree. These seeds or seedlings can be planted or transplanted. They are simply stuck into the mud.

It is a slow growing tree. Flowering is from March to April in the Northern hemisphere and May to November in the southern hemisphere. Fruiting is in the following 2 months. Flowers and fruit can also occur throughout the year. Seeds can keep their germination ability for 5 to 6 months. Because the fruit contain tannin the fruit need to be grated then washed and rinsed before being cooked in coconut milk to give flavour.

Its other names

Local names

Aongo, Betut, Biiu, Bodu kandoo, Burma mangrove, Busaing, Denges, Dogo, Dogo-kana, Dogo salusalu, Dogo tagane, Etam, Etum, Fago, Fogo, Jon, Kandeka, Kankara, Kankra, Kekra, Khoa, Ko'a ania, Koa kini, Large-leaved Mangrove, Mangle machu, M'tumansi, Mchofi, Mkifu, Mshinzi, Muia, Ong, Pang ka hua sum, Pasak, Petu, Rasinia, Sigapukokandam, Sohmw, Sraol, Tangampoly, Tango, Tanjung, Te buangi, Thuddaponna, Tiotsa, Tiri, Tiri wai, Togo, Tongo, Tumbus, Tumu merah, Tumu, Tumus, Vet du

Synonyms

Rhizophora gymnorrhiza L.; Bruguiera conjugata (L.) Merr.; Bruguiera australis Arn.; Bruguiera capensis Blume; Bruguiera cylindrica (non Blume) Hance; Bruguiera eriopetala W. & Arn.; Bruguiera reedii Blume; Rhizophora conjugata L.; Rhizophora australis (Arn.) Steud.;