Sonneratia ovata

Sonneratia ovata
In Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Lythraceae
Genus:	Sonneratia
Species:	S. ovata
Binomial name
Sonneratia ovata Backer [2]

Sonneratia ovata is a mangrove tree in the family Lythraceae. The specific epithet ovata is from the Latin meaning 'oval', referring to the shape of the leaf. ^[3]

Description

Sonneratia ovata grows up to 20 metres (70 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 centimetres (8 in). The grey bark is smooth to fissured bark. The calyx is cup-shaped with its inner surface reddish at the base. The fruits, dark green when young and ripening to yellowish green, measure up to 7 cm (3 in) long. ^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Sonneratia ovata grows naturally from southern China (Hainan) to Indochina, Malesia, Palau, New Guinea and Australia. ^{[1] [3]} Its habitat is on tidal river banks and on muddy soils subject to spring tides. ^[3]

Uses

The mature fruit is eaten in Sarawak. ^[3]

References

1. Salmo III, S.G.; Fernando, E.S.; Peras, J.R.; Sukardjo, S.; Miyagi, T.; Ellison, J.; Koedam, N.E.; Wang, Y.; Primavera, J.; Jin Eong, O.; Wan-Hong Yong, J.; Ngoc Nam, V. (2010). "Sonneratia ovata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010 e.T178814A7615033. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-2.RLTS.T178814A7615033.en . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
2. "Sonneratia ovata Backer". The Plant List . Retrieved 28 March 2015.
3. Bojo, Othman (1995). "Sonneratia ovata Backer" (PDF). In Soepadmo, E.; Wong, K. M. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (free online from the publisher, lesser resolution scan PDF versions). Vol. 1. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 450–451. ISBN   983-9592-34-3 . Retrieved 28 March 2015.