SafePlants

Mangrove Apple (Sonneratia alba)

The Mangrove Apple, scientifically known as Sonneratia alba, is a widespread mangrove tree species. It's also referred to by several common names, including Perepat and Bedada.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Sonneratia caseolaris, another species in the same genus, produces pulpy berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Sonneratia alba J. Smith (1816)
• Common Names: Mangrove Apple, Perepat, Bedada, &#26479&#33852&#28023&#26705, Valko-omenamangrove, Nakshathrakandel.
• Family: Lythraceae (formerly Sonneratiaceae)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: The text mentions that "The Plant List includes 20 scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Sonneratia. Of these 6 are accepted species names."
• Etymology: The genus name Sonneratia is named after Pierre Sonnerat (1749–1841), a French botanist and explorer. The specific epithet alba is derived from Latin, meaning "white," referring to the color of the flowers.

Distribution and Habitat

• Sonneratia alba is widely distributed, found in East Africa (from Somalia to Mozambique), Seychelles, Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, and throughout Southeast Asia to Australia.
• It is considered the most widely distributed Sonneratia species.
• This species colonizes newly formed sandy mud flats in sheltered estuaries and coastal areas and is commonly seen on the seaward side of mangroves.

Ecological Role

• Sonneratia apetala is being researched for its role in mangrove ecosystems in China, to determine if it is an invasive or restoration species.
• In Kenya, infestations of Sonneratia alba have persisted for almost two decades.

Morphological Characteristics

• Sonneratia alba is an evergreen tree with an expanded top, typically growing to a height of 3-15 meters.
• The trunk has a diameter of 30-40 cm and brown, vertically fissured bark.
• The leaves are rounded, leathery, and arranged oppositely on the branches.
• Other Sonneratia species have thick, cone-shaped pneumatophores (aerial roots).

Quirky Facts

• Sonneratia species use ultrafiltration at the root level to exclude salt.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life provides summaries and articles about the Mangrove Apple (Sonneratia alba).
• GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network) provides a link to Sonneratia acida L. f.
• The Plant List includes a list of scientific plant names of species rank for the genus Sonneratia.