Bakau Putih

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Bakau Putih

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bruguiera malabarica
• Rhizophora caryophylloides
• Rhizophora cylindrica
• Kanilia caryophylloides
• Bruguiera caryophylloides

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Malpighiales and the family Rhizophoraceae. Ultimately, the species is identified by its genus, Bruguieira.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread geographical distribution across several distinct regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is specifically noted in the Hainan province. It is also commonly found throughout the Indian Subcontinent, spanning countries such as India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the species extends into the island territories of the Maldives and the Lacadive Islands. Together, these locations highlight the plant's preference for diverse coastal and subtropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Bruguiera cylindrica is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat over many years. As an evergreen plant, it maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing consistent vegetative cover without a distinct period of leaf shedding.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

Morphologically, Bruguiea cylindrica is characterized as a woody tree that exhibits a self-supporting growth habit. It is a terrestrial species, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. The plant reaches significant dimensions, with an average height of approximately 17.5 m and a maximum potential height of up to 23 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

23 m

Plant height mean:

17.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bruguiera cylindrica is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its ecological niche. Its vegetative development is marked by specific foliar dimensions, where the leaves exhibit a significant range in size; the leaf length typically measures a mean of 12 cm, with individual leaves ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 17 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width varies from a minimum of 2 cm to a maximum of 8 cm, contributing to the overall structural morphology of the canopy. Furthermore, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the availability of soil nitrogen rather than symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to support its physiological growth and nutrient requirements.

Leaf length max:

17 cm

Leaf length mean:

12 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

8 cm

Leaf width min:

2 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bruguiera cylindrica is driven by a complex interplay of biotic mechanisms, primarily characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome. The plant relies on various animal vectors for the transfer of pollen, specifically exhibiting a pollination syndrome involving insects, with a particular affinity for butterflies. Following successful fertilization, the dispersal of the species is facilitated through a hydrochorous syndrome, where water serves as the primary medium for transporting propagules to new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

butterfly

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bruguiera cylindrica has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Bruguiera cylindrica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3beta-Taraxerol, Fatty acids, Flavonoids.

3beta-Taraxerol

1. Journal of natural products

Fatty acids

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Flavonoids

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Conditions

Bruguiera cylindrica has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include ulcers, wounds.

Ulcers

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Wounds

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Preparations

Bruguiera cylindrica has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include fruits, methanol extracts.

Fruits

1. Journal of natural products

Methanol extracts

1. Indian journal of pharmacology