Key Points
- Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea: Overview: Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, commonly known as the mangrove apple or red mangrove apple, is a small shrub or tree in the Rubiaceae family, found across the Indo-Pacific including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia.
- Physical characteristics: The species typically grows to 2-4 meters in height, with opposite, leathery leaves and small white flowers, and bears a rounded, fleshy fruit that turns red when ripe.
- Habitat and tolerance: It inhabits intertidal zones of mangrove forests, often near water edges or brackish areas, and is well adapted to saline and waterlogged conditions.
- Ecological role: The plant provides habitat and food for mangrove-associated wildlife, with fruit consumed by birds and other fauna, while its dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites and helps stabilize shorelines.
- Traditional and practical uses: In some cultures, bark, leaves, and roots are used medicinally for skin ailments and fevers, contributing to biodiversity support and shoreline protection within mangrove ecosystems.
Rhizophoracea
Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea
කඵ කඩොල්
கருங்கண்டல்
Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea, commonly known as the mangrove apple or red mangrove apple, is a species of small shrub or tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is found in coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, including countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia.
Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea is characterized by its small size, typically growing up to 2-4 meters in height. It has opposite, leathery leaves with prominent veins and a glossy appearance. The flowers are small and white, while the fruit is a rounded, fleshy structure that turns red when ripe.
This mangrove species is typically found in the intertidal zones of mangrove forests, often growing near the edges of water bodies or in areas with brackish water. It is well adapted to the saline and waterlogged conditions of mangrove habitats.
Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea provides habitat and food for various organisms in mangrove ecosystems. The fruit is consumed by birds and other wildlife, while the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites. The plant also plays a role in stabilizing shorelines and preventing soil erosion.
Additionally, in some traditional practices, the bark, leaves, and roots of Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea have been used for medicinal purposes, such as treating skin ailments and fevers.
Overall, Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea is an important component of mangrove ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity, shoreline protection, and traditional uses in certain cultures.