Mangroves
Sentigi
Pemphis acidula
IUCN: LC
Sentigi (Pemphis acidula) is a mangrove of the family Lythraceae recorded in the biodiversity data of PRPM Mengare.
It is one of 22 species in the group “Mangroves” recorded at the site.
How to recognise it
- Form
- Shrub to small tree, 2–5 m tall, crooked stem, grey-brown bark, very hard wood.
- Roots
- No special aerial roots; a strong taproot with side roots spreading through sand or coral.
- Leaves
- Opposite, small, thick and fleshy, ovate to oblong, 1–3 cm, rounded tip, glossy green.
- Flowers
- Single flowers in the leaf axils; white petals, about 1 cm across.
- Fruit & seed
- Small round capsule that splits when ripe, releasing many small, finely hairy seeds.
Did you know?
Pemphis acidula wood is famously hard, dense and durable, so the plant is often collected for bonsai and crafts.
Video from the site
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Pemphis acidula
- Indonesian name
- Sentigi
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Group
- Mangroves
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
