Mangroves

Bakau

Rhizophora stylosa

IUCN: LC

Bakau (Rhizophora stylosa) 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 tree, 7–20 m tall, many-branched, grey-brown bark.
Roots: Large, branching prop roots spreading from the trunk base, sometimes mixed with side roots.
Leaves: Opposite, elliptic to lance-shaped, 8–15 cm; glossy green, pointed tip; dark brown spots underneath (the “kurap” mark).
Flowers: 2–6 flowers per cluster in the leaf axils; small yellowish-green flowers.
Fruit & seed: Slim hypocotyl, 20–35 cm long, thinner than R. mucronata; often hangs before it drops.

Did you know?

Dark brown spots under the leaves are the mark of bakau kurap. Its slim propagules travel easily on the tide, spreading the species to new coasts. It usually grows on sandy or rocky shores.