© Scott W. Gavins, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · iNaturalist
Bruguiera spp.
orange mangrove
Overview
Bruguiera is a genus of about six species of evergreen mangrove trees in the family Rhizophoraceae, distributed along tropical and subtropical coasts of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, from East Africa through Asia to northern Australia and the Pacific Islands. The trees grow on the landward and middle zones of tidal mudflats and estuaries, where they reach 15 to 115 feet (5 to 35 m) tall depending on species and site. They anchor in soft, salty mud with looping knee roots that arch above the surface for gas exchange. The leathery, elliptic leaves are 3 to 9 inches (8 to 23 cm) long, dark green above and paler beneath. The flowers have a fleshy calyx in red, orange, or cream and are pollinated by birds and insects. Like other mangroves, Bruguiera is viviparous: the seed germinates while still on the tree, forming a cigar-shaped propagule that drops and roots in the mud below. The genus tolerates salt, tidal flooding, and waterlogged soils that exclude most other trees, but is sensitive to frost and prolonged freshwater conditions.
Native Range
Bruguiera is native to the tropical and subtropical Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the coasts of East Africa and the Red Sea through South and Southeast Asia to northern Australia and the western Pacific. It grows in the middle and landward zones of mangrove forests.Suggested Uses
Planted in mangrove restoration, coastal protection, and shoreline stabilisation projects in the tropics, where the roots trap sediment and buffer wave energy. The timber is used locally for poles, fuel, and charcoal, and the calyces of some species are eaten. It suits only tidal, saline coastal sites rather than ordinary gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 115'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red, orange, or creamFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight