Pemphis acidula

Pemphis acidula is a species of flowering plant in the family Lythraceae. The genus Pemphis, to which it belongs, was recently thought have only this single species, first described in 1775 and long considered the type species, but is now believed to have at least one other. Pemphis acidula is a halophyte bush found in coastal locations in the tropical areas of the Indo-Pacific. It is one of the types of shrubs growing in sandy and calcareous soils of the littoral zones of the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean. It is also found in mangroves. The wood of this species has been traditionally valued in many cultures for it is hard and heavy, as well as resistant to rot and warping. It also has naturally a fine finish and may be fashioned into walking canes, fence posts, tool handles, and even anchors. In Réunion and Mauritius it is known as bois matelot In the Maldives this hardy wood was used in traditional shipbuilding to hold the planks of the hull together, as well as to fashion 'nails' in local sorcery. Pemphis acidula is also one of the plant species used in bonsai, particularly in Asia.