🌳MANGROVES OF MELIACEAE🌳
Xylocarpus moluccensis commonly known as Nyireh batu, is a medium to large-sized tree from the family Meliaceae.
🌳The tree grows about 20 – 30 m tall, and usually has a sparse canopy.
🌳The trunk has a deeply fissured surface.
🌳Roots surface in the form of conical pneumatophores at the base of the trunk.
🌳Leaves are spirally arranged, compound leaves with usually 2 – 3 stalked leaflets, oppositely placed in pairs, oval or elliptical, leathery and with a broadly rounded to sharply tapered base.
🌳Flowers occur in clusters located in the axils, flower clusters are 6 – 18 cm long and with a 2 – 10 mm long stalk. Calyx lobes are rounded, white petals are 4 in number, yellowish and oblong to egg-shaped,
🌳Fruits are broadly ellipsoid, greenish-brown woody and about 8 – 11 cm in diameter, Each fruit usually has 5 – 10 brown seeds.
🌳This tree usually occurs in tidal forests, banks of tidal creeks, along open shores and along coastal fish ponds.
🌳Etymology: Xylocarpus in Latin means “woody fruit”, moluccensis refers to the Moluccas region where this species is commonly found.
🌳Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal ( Seeds are used as medicine for stomachaches and bark tannin is used as medicine to treat intestinal problems.)
🌳Timber & Products ( Wood is used to construct houses, boats, small tools and also as firewood. Bark tannin is used to treat fishing nets.)
Source:
Reference
Plants of Singapore