Pakau Putih Seedlings (Bruguiera cylindrica)
 
Type : Seedlings
Quantity : 02 Seedlings

Bruguiera cylindrica is a species of mangrove belonging to the Rhizophoraceae family, thriving in tropical Asia's coastal swamps. This versatile tree typically reaches heights of up to 20 meters (66 ft), though it often takes on a bush-like form. Its smooth, grey bark is adorned with corky, raised patches that feature lenticels for gas exchange. Characteristically, its trunk is supported by buttressed roots, while aerial roots—known as pneumatophores—emerge from the soil in distinctive knee-shaped loops, facilitating air intake while keeping water out. The extensive root system anchors the tree securely in its waterlogged habitat.
The leaves of Bruguiera cylindrica are glossy and elliptical, arranged oppositely on the branches, with pointed tips. Flowers emerge in small clusters of 2 to 5 at leaf axils, showcasing 8 elongated green sepals and 8 smaller greenish-white petals, each tipped with tiny bristles. Pollination occurs via insects, which trigger the release of a cloud of pollen when they probe the flower's base. Notably, the seeds remain attached to the flower stalk, developing into propagules that resemble slender, curved cucumbers, up to 15 centimeters (5.9 in) long. These propagules eventually detach and float horizontally before maturing and rooting into the substrate.
While similar to Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Bruguiera cylindrica can be distinguished by its smaller, green flowers and curved propagules.
 
Distribution and Habitat
This mangrove species is prevalent across tropical Asia, spanning regions from India and Sri Lanka to Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Queensland, Australia. It commonly populates new silt deposits, often found behind salt-tolerant mangroves like Avicennia. Unlike some mangrove species, Bruguiera cylindrica struggles to regenerate from detached branches.
 
Ecology
Mangrove swamps support rich biodiversity, hosting various marine invertebrates such as sponges, mollusks, and crabs, as well as numerous fish and bird species. Terrestrial insects also thrive in these ecosystems, with each mangrove species hosting its own specific leaf feeders and wood borers. Additionally, a diverse range of marine fungi can be found in the swamps where Bruguiera cylindrica resides.
 
Uses
The wood of Bruguiera cylindrica is dense, reddish, and durable, making it ideal for construction, including the keels of canoes in the Maldives. It burns efficiently as firewood and can be processed into charcoal. Although the crushed bark emits a fish-repelling odor, it is used in the production of perfume. Various parts of the tree are edible: the root tips are a delicacy in Thailand, while the bark is used as a spice and the young shoots are boiled as a vegetable. In the Maldives, the propagules are also consumed.
In traditional medicine, the fruit's skin is known to help stop bleeding, while the leaves are utilized to help lower blood pressure.