Bruguiera sexangula

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions across Asia. In China, it can be specifically located within the Hainan province. Its presence extends significantly into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is found in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the species is distributed throughout the Indo-China region, including the Andaman Islands. These varied locations highlight the wide ecological range inhabited by Bruguiera sexanguila.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Bruguiera sexangula is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within mangrove ecosystems. As a woody plant, it undergoes a continuous life cycle that avoids the seasonal limitations of annual or biennial species, instead investing in robust structural growth to withstand tidal fluctuations. Its development begins with the germination of viviparous propagules, which are unique among many plants as they germinate while still attached to the parent tree. Once these elongated seedlings drop into the substrate, they quickly develop specialized aerial roots, such as knee roots, to secure themselves in the anaerobic mud. This perennial nature enables the plant to undergo repeated reproductive cycles over many years, gradually expanding its canopy and contributing to the stability and complexity of the coastal forest through sustained biomass accumulation.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bruguiera sexangula is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a tree. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant exhibits significant vertical variability, with heights ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 33 meters, maintaining an average height of approximately 12.25 meters. Although it possesses a self-supporting structural habit rather than acting as a liana or vine, its robust, woody architecture allows it to thrive in its specific terrestrial environment.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

33 m

Plant height mean:

12.25 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bruguiera sexangula is characterized by its specific photosynthetic and morphological adaptations. It utilizes the C3 photosynthetic pathway to facilitate carbon fixation, a common metabolic process for many mangrove species inhabiting intertidal zones. The leaf morphology displays significant variability in size, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 11 cm, maintaining a mean length of approximately 9 cm. Correspondingly, the leaf width varies between a minimum of 3 cm and a maximum of 4.5 cm. Furthermore, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external nutrient availability within its specialized ecosystem.

Leaf length max:

11 cm

Leaf length mean:

9 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

4.5 cm

Leaf width min:

3 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Bruguiera sexangula is characterized by a specialized biological process involving specific pollination and dispersal mechanisms. The flowering stage features flowers that typically range in length from 2.5 cm to a maximum of 3 cm. The plant relies on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically utilizing insects as the primary pollinators to facilitate the transfer of pollen. Following successful fertilization, the species employs a hydrochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning its propagules are dispersed via water, which is an essential adaptation for its coastal or mangrove habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

hydrochorous

Flower length max:

3 cm

Flower length min:

2.5 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bruguiera sexangula 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 leaf.

Leaf

1. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Conditions

Bruguiera sexangula has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Staphylococcus aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Preparations

Bruguiera sexangula has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark, leaves.

Bark

1. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences

Leaves

1. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences