Sonneratia caseolaris (Pokok berembang)

Nama Saintifik/ Scientific Name: Sonneratia caseolaris

Nama Tempatan/ Local Name: Berembang

Famili/ Family: Lythraceae

Habitat and ecology:

This species is found in the upstream estuarine zone in the lower intertidal region. It is shade intolerant with a maximum salinity of 35 ppt (Robertson and Alongi 1992). It is found in lower saline areas on deep muddy soil along tidal creeks with slow moving freshwater. This is a pioneering species that colonizes newly formed mudflats (Terrados et al. 1997), and can expand rapidly in number, especially in optimum conditions of low salinity. It is fast growing with low seed viabililty (sets fruit only three months of the year). It grows to 30-40 m and is associated with the firefly insect (Ptyeroyx spp.). 

Geographical range:

This species is widespread and can be found in Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (Hainan Island), India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Viet Nam, Northeast Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and the Maldives. 

Use and trade:

Uses for this species are numerous. Fruits are used as a beverage (mainly in Sri Lanka and Indonesia) and pickled. Pneumatophores are used as cork and floats. Timber is used for various construction and as fuelwood. Leaves are used as forage, and tannins from bark for dyes. In the Philippines the fruits can be eaten raw or as soup, and are used as a comestic.