Teruntum Merah or the Red-Flowered Black Mangrove (Lumnitzera littorea)
Teruntum Merah or the Red-Flowered Black Mangrove (Lumnitzera littorea) is an endangered species native to Singapore.
It is a relatively small to medium sized tree from the family Combretaceae. It may grow up to 25 m under favourable conditions. It has no buttress, but produces pneumatophores. The bark is dark brown and fissured. Young branches are reddish in colour. Its simple, succulent, drop-shaped leaves with short stalks are arranged alternately and have a rounded tip with small notches along the margins. The flowers are red and occur in clusters. They are strongly scented with lots of nectar to attract bees and butterflies. Fruits are single-seeded, flattened, vase-shaped, red tinged with a fibrous fruit wall, that allows it to float on water for seed dispersal.
The timber of the Red Teruntum is valued for its high durability, being reportedly free from decay after 50 years of the wood being submerged in salt water. It is used for building bridges, wharves, cart axles, flooring and sleepers. Its attractive appearance and rose-like scent also makes it suitable for making cabinets.
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