Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl.
Summary
Apel mangrove (Sonneratia caseolaris) is an upright tree 16-20 meters tall of the Lythraceae family that grows in coastal mud from East Africa to Australia and New Caledonia. Its sour fruit is commonly processed into dodol, syrup, juice, and even natural shampoo. Traditionally, mangrove apple is also believed to be hemostatic and help stop bleeding.
Agroecology
Grows in brackish areas of mangrove forests, on deep muddy soil, along small rivers with slow-flowing water and affected by tides. Not shade-tolerant. Temperature 20-30 °C, rainfall 1,500-2,500 mm/year, pH 6.7-7.3.
Morphology
- Roots cone-shaped pneumatophores. Branch/twig tips droop, square-shaped when young.
- Leaves single, opposite, inverted egg-shaped, 5-10 cm long.
- Flowers red in color, ephemeral, fully develop after 8:00 PM, containing plenty of nectar.
- Fruit 6-8 cm diameter, green in color, smooth surface, stalked tip, bowl-shaped calyx covering the fruit base, sour taste.
- Seeds numerous, flat shaped.
Cultivation
- Propagated by seed and stem cuttings.
- Seed dispersal is aided by insects, bats, and birds.
Chemical Content
Alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, phenolics (gallic acid, 2 flavonoids luteolin, luteolin 7-O-ß-glycoside), pectin, tannins, saponins, nyasol, maslinic acid.
Benefits
Hemostatic (stops bleeding), remedy for sprains, swelling, wounds and bruises, worm infections, cough, chickenpox, treats bloody urine, boosts immunity.
Local Names
Prapat, Padada, Bagem, Pidada merah
Traditional Recipes
The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
1. Treating Wounds and Bruises
- Prepare several mangrove apple leaves, wash thoroughly.
- Pound until fine, mix with salt to taste.
- Apply to the wounded or bruised area.
2. Mangrove Apple (Pidada) Syrup for Immunity
- Prepare 2 kg mangrove apple, 2 kg sugar, 2 liters water
- Wash the apples thoroughly and discard the calyx, then knead by hand until mashed. Add water and stir evenly.
- Strain and collect the extract. Cook until it boils then add sugar, wait until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens. Once the syrup has thickened, add food coloring (optional) and turn off the stove.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature then it's ready to be packaged.