Back

Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.

Family Name:	Acanthaceae
Synonyms:	Avicennia intermedia Griff., Avicennia mindanaense Elmer
Common Name:	Api-api Jambu

Avicennia marina, also known as Api-api Jambu, is a mangrove tree. Unlike other species, the young branches of Api-api Jambu is distinctly square shaped. The fruit is greyish green with a short beak at the tip.

Full Sun

Semi Shade

Lots of Water

Moderate Water

Native to Singapore

Coastal Plant

Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments
Species Summary

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Tree (Big (>30m), Medium (16m-30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore)	Perennial

Mode of Nutrition	Autotrophic
Maximum Height	30 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	South East Asia, including Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, East Africa, India, Pacific Islands.
Native Habitat	Shoreline (Mangrove Forest)
Preferred Climate Zone	Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal

Local Conservation Status

Native to Singapore (Critically Endangered (CR))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form	Medium to large tree growing up to 30 m.
Trunk	Smooth, or slightly flaky grey trunk.
Roots	Extensive lateral root system stretching just below the soil surface with pencil-like breathing roots, also known as pneumatophores, sticking vertically out of the muddy ground to take in oxygen. Pneumatophores may grow up to a height of 15 - 20 cm.

Foliage	Elliptic or oblong-obovate leaves with a round tip, pale green lower surface and measuring up to 9 by 4.5 cm. Upper surface is covered with glandular dots.
Stems	Cross section of small branches or stems will show a characteristic square shape, unlike other Avicennia species which are rounded.
Flowers	Small, regular, orange to dark orange flowers measuring 5 - 8 mm, waxy surface, terminal flower clusters usually have about 2 - 12 flowers. Corolla has 4 equal lobes, ovary has a short style and a median ring of hairs that do not conceal the stigma.
Fruit	Light green in colour, ovoid in shape with a broad base and sharp apical beak, measuring about 2 cm across. All Avicennia spp. exhibits crytovivipary, in which the embryo germinates within the fruit but does not enlarge sufficiently to break through the fruit wall.
Habitat	Found on riverbanks, mouth of rivers, lagoons, rocky beaches and lower tidal areas. Avicennia species are usually pioneer species in newly formed mangrove forests.
Etymology	Api, means fire in Malay. This is usually associated to fireflies as they can sometimes be seen congregating around this species.
Ethnobotanical Uses	Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Medicinal: Leaves are used to treat burns and bark resin is used as a contraceptive. Timber & Products: Wood is used to build houses, furniture, boats and firewood. Bark can be used for tanning leather.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses	Coastal, Riverine

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s)	Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal	Abiotic (Water)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference	Lots of Water, Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate	Moderate

Rootzone Tolerance

Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray

Foliar

Foliage Retention	Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s)	Green - Light Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s)	Glossy / Shiny, Leathery

Foliar Type	Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem	Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem	Petiolate
Foliar Venation	Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin	Entire

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality	Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s)	Yellow / Golden
Flower Grouping	Cluster / Inflorescence

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s)	Green - Light Green

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID	32048
Species ID	6453
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.