Ceriops tagal

Ceriops tagal, commonly known as the mangrove or Indian mangrove, is a vital species found in tropical intertidal zones. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it is traditionally used to treat wounds, inflammation, and digestive issues. Its bark, rich in tannins, plays a significant role in traditional coastal healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Ceriops tagal
  • Family: Rhizophoraceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Rhizophoraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Ceriops, as part of the species Ceriops tagal.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Rhizophoraceae WCVP
Genus Ceriops WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Ceriops tagal, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is referred to as 角果木 (zh) and 角果木 (yue), while in Malayalam, it is commonly called മഞ്ഞക്കണ്ടൽ (ml). In Malaysia, the plant is known as tengar (ms), and in Thailand, it is identified as โปรงแดง (th).
Language Common Name Source
zh 角果木 Wikidata
ml മഞ്ഞക്കണ്ടൽ Wikidata
ms tengar Wikidata
th โปรงแดง Wikidata
yue 角果木 Wikidata
zh-tw 細蕊紅樹 Wikidata
my ကဘိုင်ပင် Wikidata
bn মাঠ গরান Wikidata
zh-cn 角果木 Wikidata
ja コヒルギ Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found growing in Djibouti and Somalia. Its range extends further into East Tropical Africa, where it is located in Kenya and Tanzania. Additionally, the species reaches into South Tropical Africa, specifically inhabiting Mozambique. Collectively, these locations highlight its presence within various tropical African ecosystems.

Region Area Source
Northeast Tropical Africa Djibouti WCVP
Northeast Tropical Africa Somalia WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
Southern Africa KwaZulu-Natal WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Aldabra WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Comoros WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Mozambique Channel Is. WCVP
Western Indian Ocean Madagascar WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ceriops tagal, possesses unique morphological features that contribute to its medicinal value. While the plant is characterized by its specialized salt-excreting leaves, the most significant therapeutic components are often derived from the stem bark, which is frequently used in traditional practices. In its developmental stages, the plant utilizes hypocotyls to establish itself in its mangrove habitat, eventually progressing to produce distinctive fruits. Within these fruits, the protected embryo ensures the continuation of the species, playing a vital role in the plant's life cycle and its ability to thrive in coastal ecosystems.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
7
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypocotyls 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
embryo 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aerial Parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ceriops tagal has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-[(E)-prop-1-en-1-yl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one, (5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one, (5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-propyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one, 2,3,6-trimethoxy-5-(1-propenyl)phenol, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one.

Total chemicals
22
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-[(E)-prop-1-en-1-yl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(5R,7S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-propyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2,3,6-trimethoxy-5-(1-propenyl)phenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-8-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-chromen-4-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
benzamide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
betulin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
betulinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
betulonaldehyde 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ceriops tagal has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antihyperglycemic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆