About Sonneratia alba Sm.
Size
Sonneratia alba Sm. can grow up to 40 meters (130 feet) tall, with a trunk diameter reaching up to 70 centimeters (30 inches).
Bark Characteristics
Its bark is brownish, cracked to fissured, and turns grey below the tidal mark.
Flower Coloration
The flowers are white, with pink coloring at their base.
Fruit Characteristics
Its dark green fruits grow up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) long.
Distribution Range
Sonneratia alba grows naturally across many tropical and subtropical regions, ranging from East Africa to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, the Ryukyu Islands, Indochina, Malesia, Papuasia, Australia, and the Western Pacific.
Habitat
It inhabits sheltered, sandy seashores and tidal creeks.
Local Use in Borneo
In Borneo, this species is used as firewood.
Local Use in Sulawesi
In Sulawesi, its wood is used to build houses and ships.
Fruit Uses
In Malaysia and Indonesia, the sour fruits are used to flavor fish, and are sometimes eaten raw.
Leaf Uses
Its leaves can also be eaten raw or cooked.
