About the herb: Sonneratia alba or mangrove appleis an evergreen mangrove tree in the family Lythraceae.Conservation status:
IUCN Red List: Least Concern
Distribution: It grows naturally in many tropical and subtropical areas. It grows from East Africa to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, the Ryukyu Islands, Indochina, Malesia, Papuasia, Australia, and the Western Pacific region. Its habitat is sheltered around sandy seashores and tidal creeks.
Uses: Sonneratia alba grow up to five feet and bear white flowers with a pink base. It develops green fruits that resemble apples and are used to make pickles.
Significance: They often grow on newly-formed mudflats and play an important role in combating land erosion. The flowers, which bloom at night, are pollinated by nocturnal creatures like bats.
