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Description
Ceriops Tagal, also known as the Yellow Mangrove or Indian Mangrove, is a species of plant that belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It is primarily found in the mangrove forests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Rhizophoraceae |
| Genus | Ceriops |
| Species | Ceriops Tagal |
Appearance
Ceriops Tagal has thick, leathery, elliptical leaves that are about 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The leaves are shiny green on the upper surface and pale green on the lower surface. The tree has a dense, rounded crown and a straight trunk with a diameter of about 30-50 cm. The bark is smooth and gray in color, with small, vertical fissures. The flowers of Ceriops Tagal are small and yellow, and bloom from January to March. The fruit is a woody capsule that is about 3-4 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, containing up to four seeds.
Care Guide
Ceriops Tagal requires a specific care guide to thrive. Here are some tips to take care of Ceriops Tagal:
Water: Ceriops Tagal prefers to grow in wet soil or submerged in water. Therefore, it requires frequent watering to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization: Fertilization is not necessary for Ceriops Tagal, as it can survive in nutrient-poor soils. However, if you want to enhance its growth, you can add organic matter to the soil.
Soil: Ceriops Tagal prefers acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be well-drained and moist.
Sunlight: Ceriops Tagal grows best in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but it prefers to grow in partially shaded areas.
Hardiness Zones: Ceriops Tagal is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ceriops Tagal is susceptible to pests and diseases, and here are some of the most common ones:
Pests:
- Scale insects
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
Diseases:
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
- Anthracnose
Habitat
Ceriops Tagal is commonly found in the mangrove forests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It typically grows in areas with high salinity levels and tidal fluctuations. Its roots are adapted to the anaerobic conditions of the soil, and it can grow in waterlogged areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ceriops Tagal an endangered species?
A: No, Ceriops Tagal is not considered an endangered species. However, it is facing habitat loss due to deforestation and human activities.
Q: Can Ceriops Tagal be grown in a pot?
A: Yes, Ceriops Tagal can be grown in a pot as long as it is placed in a well-draining soil mix and watered frequently.
Q: Can Ceriops Tagal be planted in freshwater areas?
A: No, Ceriops Tagal prefers to grow in brackish water or saltwater areas.
Q: Does Ceriops Tagal have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Ceriops Tagal has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Ceriops Tagal:
- Rhizophora mucronata (Red Mangrove)
- Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove)
- Sonneratia alba (Mangrove Apple)
- Bruguiera cylindrica (Long-fruited Orange Mangrove)
References
- “Ceriops Tagal.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.iucnredlist.org/species/178853/1426748.
- “Ceriops Tagal.” Flora of China, efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242333169.
- “Ceriops Tagal.” World Agroforestry Centre, www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=18328.
