Sonneratia caseolaris
Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl.
Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl., a species in the Lythraceae family, is commonly known as mangrove apple or pagatpat. It is widely distributed across regions such as Langkawi, the Andaman Islands, Borneo, India, the Philippines, and other parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The species was first published in 1897. Taxonomic discussions have centered on its nomenclatural history, particularly regarding the typification of its name. Earlier proposals for conservation and lectotype designation were considered, including a choice made by Vu Van Cuong in 1965, which was later recognized as the first valid selection.
Description
Sonneratia caseolaris is a plant species native to coastal and mangrove environments across a broad geographic range, including areas such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hainan, and New Guinea. Its fruit resembles that of a persimmon. The taxonomic history of the species includes a proposal by Hoogland for the conservation of the name with a conserved type, based on a Rumphius plate identified as S. alba. However, the Committee for Spermatophyta determined that the name had not been previously typified, making the conservation proposal unnecessary. The first valid lectotype designation was already made by Vu Van Cuong in 1965, resolving the typification issue.
Distribution
Langkawi · Global · Andaman Is. · Bangladesh · Bismarck Archipelago · Borneo · Cambodia · Hainan · India · Jawa · Lesser Sunda Is. · Malaya · Maluku · New Caledonia · New Guinea · Nicobar Is. · Northern Territory · Pakistan · Philippines · Queensland · Solomon Is. · Sri Lanka · Sulawesi · Sumatera · Thailand · Vanuatu · Vietnam
Synonyms
Sonneratia rubraAubletia caseolarisBlatti caseolarisRhizophora caseolarisSonneratia acidaBlatti acidaSonneratia eveniaSonneratia neglectaSonneratia obovataSonneratia ovalis
