Samoan Mangrove

 
Samoan Mangrove, Rhizophora samoensis
Local Name: Tiri Wai

Description:
•    This species gets from 2-10m in height.
•    The roots are stilted which is typical of the red mangrove species.
•    The leaves are usually around 10cm long although in some instances they grow longer and have blunt tips.
•    White petal flowers with a yellowish bud that is relatively small, i.e. about 10mm when mature.
•    Seeds grow on the tree and are shed once fully developed. They are long and slim and have bumps along the sides. They are usually green with a brown tip.

Flowering and Fruiting: Throughout the year.

 

Uses:
•    Timber used for construction.
•    Medicinal purposes.
•    Also utilized in dye production, i.e. tapa/masi designs etc…

Habitat: Usually found in proximity of rivers

Distribution: Found throughout Fiji and also in Samoa, Tonga and New Caledonia.