Heritiera littoralis (Dungun)

Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) dusty pink flower clusters in a close up, detailed botanical capture.
Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) cluster of small dusty pink flowers on a light green stem.

Botanical name: Heritiera littoralis

Common names: Dungun, Looking-glass Mangrove

Family: Malvaceae

Subfamily: Sterculioideae

Origin: Western Pacific

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Large or medium tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Red, crimson, vinous flowersFlower color: Red, crimson, vinous
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens
Flood tolerant plantFlood tolerance: High
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

Native to the Western Pacific, Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) is a low, much-branched, evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 m tall. Its trunk is usually adorned with buttresses at the base and ribbon or plank roots. Its bark is pale or gray-ish pink, smooth to the touch and becomes flaky as the tree grows older. The leaves of the Dungun have an oblong to elliptic shape, a dark green upper side, as well as a silvery-white underneath, and wither to an orange-yellow when ripe. This tree has hanging yellowish tassels and bears bright purple to brown fruits with a stiff keel on one side.

The tree is able to grow in zones 9-11 of the USDA hardiness zone and prefers sites that receive full sun and semi-shade, being able to endure a great deal of watering, flooding, and salt conditions. Depending on the site and conditions it grows in, the height of a Dungun can vary from a smaller Trea of 10-20 ft, to a larger one above 20 ft.

When caring for the Dungun plant, it is important not to leave it exposed to cold temperatures, although it is able to withstand temperatures slightly below freezing for short periods of time. In cold regions, the Dungun should be grown in a pot, in order to reduce the negative effects of cold air on the fragile roots of the tree. The soil should be kept moist, but not overly wet, and the tree should be provided with a mild fertilizer regime in the winter.

This tree is ethnomedically used in different parts of the world, thought to have antiseptic, purgative, emetic and tonic properties. The leaves, bark and flowers of the Dungun can be used to make an infusion that can be used to treat venomous snake bites, fever, digestive and skin problems.


Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) purple flower close up on woody branch with green leaves
Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) small purple flower clusters on woody stems with leathery green leaves.
Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) brown fruit close up hanging from a tree branch with green leaves
Heritiera littoralis (Dungun) with clusters of dry brown fruit hanging near large smooth green foliage


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/heritiera_littoralis.htm
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