Heritiera littoralis

Heritiera littoralis, also known as the Looking-glass Tree or Dungun, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including coastal areas of East Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Description

Heritiera littoralis is a large tree that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It has a distinctive silvery underside to its leaves, which gives it the common name "Looking-glass Tree". The tree produces small, fragrant flowers and large, woody fruits that are buoyant and often carried long distances by sea currents.

Habitat and Distribution

The Looking-glass Tree is a coastal species, typically found in mangrove forests and on sandy beaches. It is tolerant of salt and can grow in saline conditions. The tree's buoyant seeds enable it to colonize new areas, and it is often one of the first species to establish on newly formed islands.

Uses

Heritiera littoralis has several uses. Its timber is used in construction and furniture making. The tree's bark has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin diseases and wounds. The seeds are edible and have been used as a food source in times of scarcity.

Conservation

While Heritiera littoralis is not currently considered threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat loss due to coastal development and mangrove deforestation. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and restoring degraded habitats.

See Also

• Mangrove
• Malvaceae
• Indo-Pacific

Heritiera littoralis Resources
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