Heritiera

Heritiera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Malvaceae, subfamily Sterculioideae, and it was formerly placed in Sterculiaceae. The genus comprises several tropical tree species distributed across Africa, southern Asia, and the Pacific, with many members associated with mangrove or coastal forest ecosystems.

Members of Heritiera are typically large evergreen trees with broad, leathery leaves. The flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, borne in panicles or clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open when ripe, releasing seeds that are often dispersed by water. The wood of some species is heavy and durable, valued for timber and construction.

Distribution and habitat span a wide tropical range. Several species occur in mangrove and tidal forests, including coastal regions of Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania. Heritiera fomes, known as the Sundari, is a notable example in the Sundarbans region of India and Bangladesh, where it can be a keystone mangrove species. The genus exhibits adaptations to brackish water and periodic flooding, though species vary in their precise habitat preferences.

Ecology and conservation concerns center on habitat loss and overharvesting for timber. Many Heritiera populations are restricted in range or rely on fragile coastal ecosystems, making them vulnerable to coastal development and mangrove clearing. Some species are protected where they occur, reflecting their ecological importance and the need to manage timber resources sustainably.

Uses center on timber production. The durable wood of certain species, particularly Heritiera fomes, has long been used for heavy construction, shipbuilding, and furniture, contributing to regional economies but also driving selective exploitation in some areas.