Botanical Name: Bruguiera parviflora
Family: Rhizophoraceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Genus: Bruguiera
Species: B. parviflora
Synonyms: Bruguiera ritchiei Merr.
Common Names: Bakul Kankra/ Bakul/Champa, Lenggadai, Lenggadis, Mengkadai
Habitat: Bruguiera parviflora grows widely in South Asia, Indochina, Malesia and northern Australia. Its habitat is mangrove areas and the species faces similar threats to those generally affecting mangrove habitats such as coastal development, pollution and climate change.
Found downstream to intermediate estuarine zones in the mid-intertidal region. Typically forms single species in areas that are not frequently inundated. Can also occur along tidal waterways and coastal fish ponds. Degradation of habitat threatened by construction of commercial and industrial purposes, such as shrimp farms and tourist resorts.
Description:
Bruguiera parviflora grows up to 30 metres (100 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 45 centimetres (18 in). The bark is pale grey to pale brown. Thye roots are laterals roots which grow just below the surface and part of it sticking out of the mud in a “bent knee” position. Knee roots may be up to 30 cm tall. Leaves are pointed, 5.5 – 13 by 2 – 4.5 cm, elliptic, black dotted beneath and turning yellowish-green with age.
Flowers are cluster consists of a 3 – 7, sometimes 10-flowered group. Calyx tubes are ridged, 7 – 9 mm long, 8-lobed, calyx lobes are straight and not curved.
Fruits are narrow, spirally rolled, about 2 cm in length. Hypocotyl is cylindrical, smooth and curved, about 9 – 14 cm in leng.
Propagatiion: Through seeds.
Edible Uses: The germinating embryo is used as a vegetable.
Medicinal Uses: It is not yet known.
Other Uses: The wood is sometimes used as charcoal or firewood.According to Giersen, the heavy to very heavy timber is hard and strong, and easily worked and finishes well. But it is perishable when exposed or in contact with the ground, and often found in small size. It produces good charcoal, firewood and pulp.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruguiera_parviflora
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/6/2/6265
