Rhizophoraceae

Ceriops decandra

පුංකණ්ඩ

வெண்டிக் கண்டல்

The latest mangrove species recorded from Sri Lanka. This species is found in Trincomalee and in few other places of the Eastern Sri Lanka. Propergules tend to grow rather erectly to the branches. The bark of this species is used for coloring boat-sails and fishing nets. The dye extracted from the bark is used for painting and fabric and Bathik works. Stems are used as roofing and wall materials for temporary houses. 

This species is used in traditional medicine and the flowers are helpful for beekeeping.

Commonly known as the red mangrove or Indian mangrove, Ceriops decandra is characterized by its distinctive stilt-like roots and bright red or brownish flowers. It is well adapted to saline environments and is often found in intertidal zones and mudflats. This mangrove species plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems by providing habitat for various marine and terrestrial organisms, protecting shorelines from erosion, and contributing to nutrient cycling. It is distributed in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia.

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