Sonneratia ovata

Sonneratia ovata is a mangrove tree in the family Lythraceae. The specific epithet ovata is from the Latin meaning 'oval', referring to the shape of the leaf.

Description

Sonneratia ovata grows up to tall with a trunk diameter of up to. The grey bark is smooth to fissured bark. The calyx is cup-shaped with its inner surface reddish at the base. The fruits, dark green when young and ripening to yellowish green, measure up to long.

Distribution and habitat

Sonneratia ovata grows naturally from southern China to Indochina, Malesia, Palau, New Guinea and Australia. Its habitat is on tidal river banks and on muddy soils subject to spring tides.

Uses

The mature fruit is eaten in Sarawak.