Rib-fruited Orange Mangrove
Bruguiera exaristata

Family: Rhizophoraceae

What it is like

A small spreading tree. It grows 3-10 m high. It has buttresses at the base and many knee like aerial roots. The bark is dark grey and has a chequered pattern. The leaves grow opposite each other and are crowded towards the ends of branches. They are smooth and thick and leathery. They are oval with a sharply pointed stalk. The leaf blade is 4-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and shiny on top and lighter green below. The leaf stalk is about 2 cm long. The leaf scar leaves 3 small distinct U shaped traces on the stem. The flowers are large and orange. They are 2-3.5 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. They are enclosed in a prominent green ring of sepals. The flowers hang down from the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is cone shaped and about 1.5 cm long. The seed germinates on the plant. This produces a long narrow hypocotyl 4-9 cm long and 0.6-0.8 cm wide. It has ribs along its length. It is orange brown and with a ring of lobes from the flower at the end. The seed germinates on the bush before the fruit falls.

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

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. They are found along river banks and estuaries. It is more common in areas with a seasonal rainfall and long dry season.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Bangladesh, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Timor-Leste

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten. It needs special preparation.

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

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Seeds can be planted directly from the tree. Seedlings transplant easily.

In Australia plants flower from May to November and fruit June to December.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Bruguiera rheedii; Kandelia rheedii ?