Monday, November 28, 2011

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)

The Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea) is a nationally endangered mangrove tree from the family Combretaceae.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
This tree can be seen at several of our mangrove forests, including Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin, Pulau Semakau, Pasir Ris, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Kranji and St John's Island.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
It occurs on the landward fringe of mangrove forests. The bark is fissured and reddish-brown. It relies on its roots to exclude salt from entering the plant through a process called ultrafiltration.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
Young branches are reddish in colour.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
It has simple, alternate, narrowly-drop-shaped leaves with a rounded tip. There is a small notch at the tip.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
The flowers are red and occur in clusters. They are strongly scented with lots of nectar.

Teruntum Merah (Lumnitzera littorea)
The small and somewhat corky fruits are buoyant and dispersed by water. They often have a reddish tinge.

The wood is hard and extremely durable, and is used for the building of bridges, wharves, cart axles, flooring and sleepers. It has a rose-like scent, making it popular as a cabinet timber.

References

  • Chong, K. Y., H. T. W. Tan & R. T. Corlett, 2009. A Checklist of the Total Vascular Plant Flora of Singapore: Native, Naturalised and Cultivated Species. Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore. Singapore. 273 pp.
  • Giesen, W., S. Wulffraat, M. Zieren & L. Scholten. 2006. Mangrove guidebook for Southeast Asia. RAP Publication 2006/07. FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific & Wetlands International. Bangkok. 769 pp.
  • Ng, P. K. L. & N. Sivasothi. 1999. A guide to the mangroves of Singapore 1 : the ecosystem & plant diversity. Singapore Science Centre. Singapore. 168 pp.
  • http://www.mangrove.my/page.php?pageid=mangrove

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