akar.earthBruguiera gymnorrhiza: Growth, Allometry and Carbon Potential
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza carbon sequestration: mangrove ecology, Indonesian names, wood density, mangrove allometry, blue carbon role and risks.
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza sequesters carbon in heavy wood, knee roots and mangrove soil, and it grows into one of the largest trees in mature mangrove forest. It is a key species for restoring the middle and landward zones of Indonesian mangroves, where Rhizophora plantings often do poorly.
Identity and range
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is a true mangrove in the family Rhizophoraceae, closely related to Rhizophora. In Indonesia it is called tancang, tumu, lindur or kandeka, depending on the region. In English it is often called the large-leafed orange mangrove. Indonesia has several other Bruguiera species, including B. cylindrica, B. parviflora and B. sexangula.
It is native across the Indo-West Pacific, from East Africa to Southeast Asia, northern Australia and Pacific islands. In Indonesia it occurs in mangroves throughout the archipelago, with well-developed stands in Papua, Kalimantan, Sumatra and Sulawesi, including West Papua and Central Sulawesi.
Growth habit and rotation
B. gymnorrhiza is a tree that can reach 25 to 30 m or more in mature forest, with a buttressed base and knee roots (looping pneumatophores) that emerge from the mud. Flowers have a bright red calyx and are pollinated by birds.
It is viviparous: propagules develop on the tree, then drop and root. They are shorter and thicker than Rhizophora propagules. Bruguiera tolerates shade and often establishes under other mangroves, becoming dominant in older, mid to landward forest on firmer soil that is flooded less often.
It is cut for poles and timber in some areas but is not usually managed on a defined rotation. Reported growth rates vary widely with salinity, tidal regime and light, and are generally slower than pioneers in early years.
Wood density and biomass estimation
B. gymnorrhiza has heavy wood. Reported basic density values fall roughly between 0.70 and 0.90 g/cm³, varying with site and age. Record your wood density source.
Common approaches:
- Komiyama et al. 2005 common mangrove equation, using DBH and wood density, plus a companion root equation.
- Species-specific Bruguiera equations, published from Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Check size ranges.
- Chave et al. 2014: AGB (kg) = 0.0673 × (ρ × D² × H)^0.976, with ρ in g/cm³, D in cm and H in m.
Measure DBH at 1.3 m or above the buttress if it extends higher, and record where. See our allometric equations guide.
Convert biomass to carbon with a carbon fraction (IPCC default 0.47, or mangrove values in the IPCC Wetlands Supplement) and to CO2 with 44/12.
Carbon role in blue carbon projects
- Zonation-based restoration. Planting Bruguiera in mid to landward zones, and Avicennia or Sonneratia toward the sea, gives a more natural and resilient stand than pure Rhizophora. See mangrove restoration carbon.
- Long-term biomass. Large mature trees hold high above-ground carbon.
- Soil carbon. Mid and landward mangrove soils can store deep organic carbon. See mangrove soil carbon.
- Crediting. Restoration claiming soil carbon usually follows Verra’s VM0033.
See the blue carbon hub for project types.
Co-benefits and livelihoods
Bruguiera stands protect coasts, support fisheries, crabs and birds, and supply durable poles. In some coastal communities, Bruguiera propagules have traditionally been processed as food after soaking to remove tannins.
Risks and cautions
- Seaward planting. Planting Bruguiera on low, frequently flooded mudflats leads to poor survival.
- Slow early growth. Early credits will be lower than for pioneers. Use conservative ex-ante estimates.
- Pole cutting. Selective cutting of large stems lowers stocks.
- Conversion. Landward mangroves are often the first converted to ponds, farmland or settlements, releasing soil carbon.
- Hydrology. Blocked tidal channels and dikes cause die-back.
Planning notes for project developers
- Zonation mapping. Map elevation and flooding frequency first, then assign Bruguiera to mid and landward zones.
- Nursery or direct planting. Propagules can be planted directly in suitable mud, but nursery-raised seedlings often survive better on disturbed sites.
- Soil carbon sampling. Landward soils can be deep. Plan core depth and bulk density measurements to your methodology’s rules.
- Tenure. Landward mangroves often overlap with private ponds or village land. Confirm rights early; see carbon ownership in Indonesia.
Worked example
A B. gymnorrhiza with DBH 15 cm, height 12 m and density 0.75 g/cm³, using Chave et al. 2014:
- ρ × D² × H = 0.75 × 225 × 12 = 2,025
- AGB = 0.0673 × 2,025^0.976 ≈ 114 kg
- Carbon = 114 × 0.47 ≈ 53 kg C
- CO2e = 53 × 44/12 ≈ 196 kg CO2e (above-ground only)
Compare with the Komiyama common equation and test values in the tree CO2 calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much carbon does Bruguiera gymnorrhiza store?
A 15 cm DBH, 12 m tree at density 0.75 g/cm³ holds about 115 kg of above-ground biomass by Chave et al. 2014. Mature trees grow much larger, and the soil under Bruguiera stands holds most ecosystem carbon.
What is Bruguiera gymnorrhiza called in Indonesia?
Common names include tancang, tumu, lindur and kandeka, varying by region.
Where does Bruguiera grow in a mangrove?
Usually in the middle to landward zones, on firmer soils flooded less often than the seaward fringe. It tolerates shade and can establish under other mangroves.
What wood density should I use for Bruguiera gymnorrhiza?
It is heavy. Reported values are roughly 0.70 to 0.90 g/cm³, varying with site and age.