Burma Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | UN Conference on Climate Change, New Delhi |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | October 30, 2002 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 3000000 |
| Perforation | Syncopated 13 x 13¼ |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1926 Stamp Number IN 1977 Yvert et Tellier IN 1691 Stanley Gibbons IN 2092 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN037.02 |
| Themes | Conferences | Flowers | Forests | Landscapes | Plants (Flora) | Trees | U.N.O. | |
Table of Contents
Burma Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza)
Overview
- Scientific Name: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
- Common Name: Burma Mangrove
- Family: Rhizophoraceae (Mangrove Family)
Description
- Appearance: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is a medium-sized mangrove tree characterized by its distinctive stilt roots and glossy, green foliage.
- Leaves: The leaves are simple, elliptical to ovate, and have a dark green color. They are typically 5 to 15 cm long and 3 to 8 cm wide, with a pointed tip and a shiny upper surface.
- Flowers: The flowers are small and are usually borne in clusters. They have a characteristic five-lobed structure with a reddish or yellowish color.
- Fruits: The fruit is a cylindrical, elongated propagule that is often 2 to 3 cm long. It is typically green or brown and contains seeds that are adapted for dispersal by water.
Habitat
- Distribution: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including the eastern coast of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean.
- Environment: It thrives in the saline and brackish water of mangrove swamps, tidal river deltas, and coastal estuaries. It is adapted to the fluctuating water levels and high salinity typical of mangrove ecosystems.
Ecological Importance
- Coastal Protection: The stilt roots of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza provide stability to coastal sediments and help prevent erosion. This plays a crucial role in protecting shorelines from storm surges and tidal flooding.
- Habitat: The tree provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including fish, birds, and insects. Its roots and fallen leaves contribute to the complex food web of the mangrove ecosystem.
- Nutrient Cycling: The decomposition of the tree’s leaves and roots adds organic matter to the mangrove soil, supporting nutrient cycling and enhancing the health of the mangrove forest.
Conservation Status
- Threats: Bruguiera gymnorrhiza faces threats from habitat loss due to coastal development, land reclamation, and pollution. These activities can lead to the degradation of mangrove ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.
- Conservation Efforts: Conservation initiatives focus on protecting mangrove habitats, implementing sustainable land use practices, and promoting reforestation projects to restore degraded mangrove areas.
Cultural and Economic Value
- Traditional Uses: The wood of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is used locally for construction, fuel, and charcoal production. The leaves and propagules have various traditional uses in local communities.
- Economic Value: The tree contributes to the livelihoods of coastal communities by providing resources and supporting fisheries through its role in the mangrove ecosystem.
Stamp Design
The stamp featuring Bruguiera gymnorrhiza highlights the unique features of the Burma Mangrove, including its stilt roots and elongated propagules. The design emphasizes the ecological importance of the species in maintaining the health and stability of mangrove ecosystems, and aims to raise awareness about the need to conserve these vital habitats.