This species of mangrove is found along the coasts of South-East Asia as far as eastern Africa and grows in the intertidal zone. As a result, the plant is naturally and regularly exposed to salt water, often alongside trees of the well-known Rhizophora genus. In the tropics, the species can grow up to 20 metres tall and produces aerial roots that grow mainly vertically downwards. The leaves are quite large, measuring 15 cm, and have a lovely sheen. The flowers are reddish-white in colour and, following pollination, are followed by fruits containing a single seed. This seed germinates on the tree, forming a propagule that can grow up to 25 cm long. Once fully grown, it falls from the tree and can then float like a cork on its way to a place where it can grow. The local population boils these propagules to eat them as a vegetable, and the tree’s wood is also popular. This is because it is resistant to rot, making it widely used for, for example, constructions, canoes and telephone poles.
The species can be kept as a houseplant and also, for example, in an aquarium or palludarium. Ensure a muddy substrate with some sand and a permanent layer of water. The water temperature should ideally be at least 20 °C for good growth, and the plant thrives in fresh, salt and brackish water alike. A bright spot with sunlight (or artificial light) is preferable.
Sowing instructions: Plant the propagule with the underside (where the roots grow) in substrate of a depth of at least a few cm. The water level should be somewhere between the substrate and the growing point. A temperature of 25–30°C is optimal for initial development.
