Cassipora

Cassipora is a genus of mangrove trees belonging to the family Combretaceae. This genus is considered to be monotypic, meaning it contains only one species: Cassipora alternifolia. The genus is native to coastal regions of Southeast Asia, specifically in areas such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Cassipora alternifolia thrives in tidal mangrove ecosystems, playing a role in shoreline stabilization and providing habitat for various marine and terrestrial organisms. The tree is characterized by its opposite, simple leaves and small, white flowers. The fruit is a small capsule. The wood is hard and dense, sometimes used locally for construction purposes. The genus name "Cassipora" is derived from a local, indigenous name for the plant. Conservation efforts often focus on preserving mangrove ecosystems, which indirectly benefit the survival of Cassipora alternifolia.