Sundari Tree: How to Grow and Care

The Sundari tree, also known as Heritiera Fomes, is a tree which is widely known for its presence in the mangrove area of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The tree is responsible for keeping away the high tides of the sea. The tree is usually 20-m long with elliptical leaves. 

Though this tree is not quite suitable for planting in a residential area, people are trying to save this endangered tree by planting the tree in suitable regions. Preserving the tree properly will demand a lot of care and maintenance. If you want to learn more about the tree, then read this article.

Sundari tree: Key facts

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Sundari tree: Physical description

Sundari or the Heritiera fomes is a medium-grown evergreen tree found in the bay region of mangrove forest. The tree can grow up to a height of up to 20 metres. The roots of the Sundari tree are known for having pneumatophores. 

The Sundari tree trunk has a very developed buttress. Large trees are used for their hard timber. The leaves of the tree are elliptical in shape and can grow up to a length of 7 to 13 cm. At the end of the twig, all leaves create clusters.

The flowers of the Sundari trees are usually pink or orange in colour. The length of the flowers is usually 5 mm. Flowers are panicles. The fruit of the Sundari tree can be 5 cm long. Usually, fruits ripen in June. Fruits are available till late August.

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Sundari tree: How to grow?

The seeds of the Sundari tree can be found directly from the tree. Or else you can try to find it from a mangrove-based nursery where you can find trustworthy seeds. 

• Seeds should be planted in very moist saline soil. 
• You have to check whether direct sunlight is coming or not. Direct sunlight is mandatory for the good growth of the Sundari tree. 
• Saline soil enriched with various nutrients is recommended for the Sundari tree.
• The soil should sometimes be muddy around the tree area.

Sundari tree: Maintenance tips

For maintaining healthy growth, a few maintenance tips are there.

• You have to provide saline water. If not possible to add saline water, try to add salt around the stem of the tree.
• Nitrogen fertiliser is mandatory for Sundari trees.
• Direct sunlight throughout the day is mandatory.

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Sundari Tree: Uses

• Sundari tree timber is used for various purposes like bridge building, boat building, house construction, etc.
• The timber is also used for tool handles, utility poles, etc.
• According to some surveys, Sundari trees have anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties.
• Sundari trees sometimes help to get good quality charcoal.

Sundari tree: Is this plant toxic?

Various parts, like roots, flowers, etc., are toxic. So, it is recommended to keep children and pets away from the tree.

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