Mangroves

Bakau hitam

Rhizophora mucronata

IUCN: LC

Bakau hitam (Rhizophora mucronata) is a mangrove of the family Rhizophoraceae recorded in the biodiversity data of PRPM Mengare.

It is one of 22 species in the group “Mangroves” recorded at the site, and one of 10 species of the family Rhizophoraceae.

How to recognise it

Form: Medium to large tree, 10–27 m tall, straight trunk, rough, ridged blackish-brown bark.
Roots: Large, branching prop roots spreading widely from the trunk base.
Leaves: Opposite, broadly elliptic, 12–25 cm, glossy green; the tip ends in a small spine-like point (mucro), the mark of this species.
Flowers: 4–8 flowers per cluster in the leaf axils; small yellowish-green flowers with a thick calyx.
Fruit & seed: Large hypocotyl, 30–50 cm long, stouter than R. apiculata, hanging before it drops and lodges in the mud.

Did you know?

R. mucronata has the largest propagule (hypocotyl), which lodges well in the mud and helps hold back coastal erosion. It grows fast, so it is popular for restoration. The bark is rich in tannin, used for tanning and traditional dyes.