Avicenna officinalis, a common mangrove tree, with the heart-shaped fruits, usually found more inland along the shoreline, where the soil is more clay and slightly drier.

Also known as Indian mangrove.

The mangrove in South East Asia are known as the richest in terms of species and biodiversity, hence they need to be protected.

Despite their great value, the area occupied by mangrove along the Malaysian coastline has been drastically reduced, mostly caused by human development.

Another problem is pollution, which has now become a serious concern as toxic discharge and rubbish from rivers and drainage systems have ended up in the mangrove forests.

As the mangrove forests also provide valuable marine food source, this pollution will end up in the food chain, which will cause negative impact on health.

Malaysian nature is rich in biodiversity. Let’s protect the mangrove.