Sonneratia ovata
# Sonneratia ovata

Sonneratia ovata is a mangrove tree in the family Lythraceae. The specific epithet ovata is from the Latin meaning "oval", referring to the shape of the leaf.

## Description

Sonneratia ovata grows up to 20 metres (70 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 20 centimetres (8 in). The grey bark is smooth to fissured bark. The calyx is cup-shaped with its inner surface reddish at the base. The fruits, dark green when young and ripening to yellowish green, measure up to 7 cm (3 in) long.

## Distribution and habitat

Sonneratia ovata grows naturally from southern China (Hainan) to Indochina, Malesia, Palau, New Guinea and Australia. Its habitat is on tidal river banks and on muddy soils subject to spring tides.

## Uses

The mature fruit is eaten in Sarawak.

