Ceriops australis
| Ceriops australis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus: | Ceriops |
| Species: | C. australis
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| Binomial name | |
| Ceriops australis | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Ceriops australis, the yellow mangrove or smooth-fruited yellow mangrove, is a species of mangrove in the family Rhizophoraceae, native to tropical northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It is a common species in the region and although mangroves are threatened by habitat destruction and climate change, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]
Description
Ceriops australis is a small evergreen tree or shrub growing to a maximum height of about 10 m (30 ft). The growth habit is columnar or multi-stemmed and it develops large buttress roots. The bark is silvery-grey to orangeish-brown, smooth with occasional
It is very similar in appearance to Ceriops tagal and grows alongside it; previously thought to be the same species, it has now been shown to be genetically distinct. The difference between the two can be observed when the tree is fruiting, C. tagal having ribbed hypocotyls while those of C. australis are smooth.[2]
Distribution and habitat
In tropical northern Australia, C. australis is the dominant mangrove in estuarine habitats, its range extending from Exmouth in Western Australia to the southern end of Moreton Bay in Queensland. Its status in New Guinea is less clear, because of the confusion in the past with C. tagal. It does not tolerate strong wave action, high winds or strong currents, but prefers drier sites, with high salinities on the landward side of the coastal mangrove strip and bordering salt pans.[2]
Uses
Indigenous Australians have traditionally used this tree to make sticks for digging and throwing, and for spear shafts. An infusion of the inner bark has been used to treat skin problems,[3] and the outer bark as a dye and for tanning.[4] The larvae of the moth Syntherata janetta feed on the foliage.[3]
Gallery
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Viviparous seedlings -
flowering -
Extensive stand, Nudgee Creek, Queensland
References
- ^ .
- ^ ISBN 978-0-646-46196-0.
- ^ a b c "Ceriops australis". Some Magnetic Island Plants. 19 October 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
- ^ "Yellow mangrove". Queensland Government. 17 August 2010. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
External links
- "Ceriops australis (C.T.White) Ballment, T.J.Sm. & J.A.Stoddart". Atlas of Living Australia.