Common Name:

General Information

Bruguiera cylindrica is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 23 metres tall, though it is usually rather smaller. The bole can be up to 20 - 30cm in diameter with small buttresses up to 1 metre high and lots of pneumatophores (breathing roots)[, ].
This species is valued especially for its wood, which is considered an excellent fuel and source of charcoal. It is sometimes also harvested as a food and source of tannin. Usually harvested from the wild, it is occasionally also planted, especially as a fuel crop, in reforestation areas[, ].
Although widespread and common within its range, like all mangroves this species is threatened by the loss of mangrove habitat throughout its range, primarily due to extraction and coastal development. There has been an estimated 24% decline in mangrove area within this species range since 1980. However, it has a high rejuvenation rate, and is often one of the first species to return after removal of mangrove habitat. Mangrove species are more at risk from coastal development and extraction at the extremes of their distribution, and are likely to be contracting in these areas more than in other areas. It is also likely that changes in climate due to global warming will further affect these parts of their range. Although there are overall range declines in many areas, they are not enough to reach any of the threatened category thresholds. The plant, therefore, is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - coastal areas from India and Sri Lanka through southeast Asia to New Guinea and northeast Australia.

Habitat

Higher parts of the mangrove forest by the coast, where flooding is occasional only, up to about 20 metres above sea level. It gives way to other trees where the soil is better drained, and is usually absent from mangroves along rivers[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Butterflies, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tolerant of some shade[]. Succeeds on sandy and on clay soils[]. One of the most tolerant species of anaerobic soil conditions, it grows gregariously on stiff clay soils in the mangrove swamp. However, the very poorly aerated soil habitually occupied by this species makes it highly dependent upon its pneumatophores for an adequate supply of oxygen, and also particularly susceptible to prolonged submersion[].
Since the tree is such a prolific seed-bearer, a healthy forest normally regenerates, even after clear-felling. Wildlings may be collected and used for planting, but regeneration has, so far, been left to nature in most cases[].
The plant is viviparous - the seeds germinate and develop their root while still attached to the tree. After the seedlings are released they fall vertically into the mud and immediately become established[].
The tree is able to establish itself in newly formed soils along the coast that are unsuitable for other mangroves. It can form pure stands above high tide level that can be extremely dense and may contain 55,000 - 70,000 stems per hectare[, ]. Heavy early thinnings are necessary to increase the rate of growth[].
This species has the dubious honour of being the slowest growing of any commercial tree species in Malaya. From
seed it takes around 11 - 12 years to attain a height of 6 metres; around 16 - 17 years to attain 9 metres with a bole 5cm in diameter; and around 60 years to attain a diameter of 30cm. Its rotation should be longer than the 30 years now accepted as an average for mangrove forest in Malays[].
Harvesting is done manually with an axe or matchet. This minimizes disturbance to the mangrove. Young trees from short-term rotations are preferred[].
Average annual wood production ranges from 2- 16 cubic metres per hectare[].

Edible Uses

Young hypocotyls are occasionally boiled and eaten as a vegetable or preserve, though mainly in times of famine[].
The young radicles are occasionally eaten with sugar and coconut[].

Young shoots are served as a salad[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species is able to establish itself in newly formed soils along the coast that are unsuitable for other mangroves - it can thus stabilize the soils and bring about conditions to allow other trees to become established[, ].

Other Uses

The bark is said to be of some value as a local source of tannins[]. However, it is thin and of too low a yield for commercial use[].

The heartwood is reddish to reddish-brown upon exposure. The wood is hard, very heavy and strong. It is straight grained and fine textured. The logs shrink and check excessively in seasoning, while the wood is easy to work and finishes well. It is non-durable when exposed to weather or in contact with the ground. Valued more as a fuel, though it is also used for purposes such as temporary constructions[, ]. Fisherman say that the wood has a peculiar odour which frightens away fish; and many do not like to use it for making fishtraps[].
The wood is commonly used for fuel and for making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed -

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