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| mangroves > Bruguiera in general |
| Bakau
putih Bruguiera cylindrica Family Rhizophoraceae updated Aug 09 Where seen? This is probably the most commonly seen tree in our mangroves. It is particularly common in the back mangroves. It has been described as characteristic of newly established substrates and able to withdstand prolonged submersion. It may form pure stands. It was formerly called B. caryophylloides. Features: Tree to about 20m, but those seen along our nature trails often almost short shrubs about 1m, to short trees to 2-3m. Bark greyish with small corky bumps (lenticels). Short buttresses and also knee roots. Leaves oval, shiny green and stiff, arranged opposite one another. Stipules pale yellow or greenish. Flowers small in sets of 2-5, with a pale greenish or white cup-shaped calyx that has 8 stout, long lobes. Petals thin, white with 2-3 bristles at the tips. The petals turn brown rapidly. According to Tomlinson, the small flowers are pollinated by day flying insects such as butterflies. The petals of the flower hold loose pollen and are under tension. When probed at the base, the petal unzips to scatter a cloud of pollen over the head of the visiting insect. Propagule develops on the parent plant: thin, cylindrical hypocotyl (8-15cm long) with the calyx lobes bent up towards the stalk. Light green to purple, the hypocotyl is often slightly curved. Although it usually produces abundant propagules, the tree itself grows slowly. Human uses: According to Burkill, the propagules are occasionally eaten after boiling, and according to Giersen eaten with sugar and coconut. Fishermen do not like to use the wood for fish-traps as they say it has a peculiar smell that frightens fishes away. According to Giersen, the timber is heavy and reddish. |
 Pulau Ubin, May 09  Pulau Ubin, May 09 |
 Pulau Ubin, May 09 |
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 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Feb 09  |
 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Aug 09  |
 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Aug 09 |
 Pulau Semakau, Apr 09 |
 Open and closed pouched petals. |
 Small corky bumps (lenticels). |
 Sungei Buloh Besar, Apr 11 |
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 Pulau Semakau, Dec 08 |
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 Pulau Ubin, Dec 09 |
 Pulau Ubin, Dec 09  |
 Pasir Ris Park, Mar 11 |
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Links
References
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Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
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