 |
|
|
plants text index | photo
index
|
| mangroves > Bruguiera in general |
| Tumu
berau Bruguiera sexangula Family Rhizophoraceae updated Aug 09 Where seen? This tree is not common in Singapore. There are two on Pulau Tekong, and two at Sungei Buloh and it is being replanted at Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin and at Pasir Ris Park. According to Hsuan Keng, it was previously found in Kranji, Jurong and Tanjong Pasir Laba. Elsewhere, it is also considered widespread and uncommon throughout its range. It is found along tidal waterways, coastal fish ponds that are infrequently inundated. It was formerly called B. eriopetala. According to Burkill, 'Berau' in Malay suggests yellowness. Features: Tree up to 12m, sometimes 30m tall. Bark light brown-grey, smooth with a few large corky bumps (lenticels). The base of the trunk may be flanged and may have well developed aerial roots, sometimes forming stilt roots and knee roots. Leaves leathery (8-16cm), stipule yellowish or pale. Flowers with calyx that has 10-12 lobes usually yellow, yellowish-brown, never conspicously scarlet although it may be reddish sometimes. Flowers occur singly. Petals have a blunt tip with 1-2 short bristles or hairless, white when fresh rapidly turning brown. According to Tomlinson, the large flowers are pollinated by birds. 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 bird. Propagule develops on the parent plant: fat and angular, ridged hypocotyl (6-8cm long), narrow at both ends. The calyx lobes are extended away from the hypocotyl. Sometimes mistaken for Tumu (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza) but differs in smaller, thinner leaves and the flower petal tips are blunt without hairy tassels. Human uses: According to Burkill, the developing embryo is cooked, soaked overnight and then eaten. Juice from the fruits may be used to treat sore eyes, shingles or treat burns. According to Giersen, the heavy to very heavy timber is hard and strong. Used for poles as well as firewood and charcoal. In Sulawesi, the fruits are eaten after they are soaked and boiled. |
 Chek Jawa, Aug 09  |
 Chek Jawa, Mar 09 |
 Chek Jawa, Aug 09 |
 Chek Jawa, Aug 09 |
 Chek Jawa, Mar 09  |
 Chek Jawa, Mar 09  |
 Chek Jawa, Mar 09 |
more photos of Tumu berau on Singapore shores
|
Links
References
|
.
Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
|