Mangroves (Avicenniaceae, Rhizophoraceae & Sonneratiaceae)
Mangrove swamps in Singapore have been reduced to less than 1% of their former area. With this loss of habitat, dozens of other species that depend upon the mangrove trees have also become rare and endangered.
Api-api jambu (Avicennia marina)
This is the rarest of Singapore's four Avicennia species. It is presently found only on St. John's Island, Pulau Tekong, & Pulau Unum.
Lenggadai (Bruguiera parviflora)
This is an endangered mangrove species that is now restricted to three tiny populations in Pasir Ris Park, Pulau Unum & Pulau Tekong.
Other Plants of the Mangroves
Besides mangrove trees, the mangroves of Singapore support a vast diversity of other plants. Epiphytes, orchids, palms, fowering shrubs and other trees depend on the mangrove habitat for their survival.
Crinum Lily (Crinum asiaticum)
This flower grows on sandy seashores or in the back mangrove. A very large lily, it grows from an underground bulb. The lower leaves form a stout pseudo-stem from which the leaves emerge in a rosette. The leaves can grow up to 2m long. There are only two wild populations left in Singapore to the north and west of the main island.
Cymbidium bicolor pubescens
This is an epiphytic orchid that grows on trees along the coast. It was last collected in 1891 and was thought to have become extinct in Singapore. However, in recent years it has been rediscovered growing in Sungei Buloh.
Tui (Dolichandrone spathacea)
This is a small tree found growing at the back of mangroves and the banks of tidal rivers and estuaries. Endangered; the trees at Changi Point, Pulau Sakeng and sluice gates of Sungei Jurong were destroyed with recent coastal development.
Nibong Palm (Oncosperma tigillarium)
This is a rare palm and was last collected by Mr. J.S. Goodenough on 29 Nov 1889 and in 1890 from the Sungei Buloh area. It was only re-discovered in Sungei Buloh in 2000.
Sea Teak (Podocarpus polystachyus)
More commonly found along beaches and rocky shores, this is the only local conifer adapted to mangroves, where it is found along the rear edge.
Nyireh (Xylocarpus granatum)
This 3-8 metre-tall tree has horizontal roots that grow vertically upwards on the upper side for the entire length of the root. They also curve in a snake like fashion so wavy, plank-like structures radiate outwards from the trunk base. The exposed vertical portions help in aeration and the widely spreading roots help improve anchorage in the unstable mud.
