Discover the Sundarbans: An In-Depth Look at Its Unique Mangrove Trees, Plants, and Wildlife

The Sundarbans, the largest single mangrove forest in the world, is a realm of incredible biodiversity. Its flora is particularly unique, a testament to nature’s power of adaptation. Unlike plants in other regions, the vegetation here has evolved to thrive in a challenging environment defined by saline water, soft tidal mud, and the constant threat of strong winds and fierce currents.
Let’s explore the special characteristics and key plant species that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site so extraordinary.
Unique Adaptations of Sundarbans Flora
The plants of the Sundarbans have several remarkable features that allow them to survive:
Salt Tolerance: Nearly all plants in the Sundarbans can withstand high levels of salinity, absorbing water from the brackish environment.
Strong Root Systems: To anchor themselves in the soft, unstable mud, trees have developed extensive and powerful root systems, such as buttress roots, that help them stand firm against tidal surges and cyclones.
Breathing Roots (Pneumatophores): The waterlogged soil lacks oxygen. To compensate, many mangrove species have developed “breathing roots” (pneumatophores) that grow upwards from the mud, absorbing oxygen and other gases directly from the air.
Evergreen Nature: Most mangrove plants are evergreen, and many grow in dense thickets, creating a low, impenetrable canopy that is a hallmark of the forest.
A survey once identified as many as 84 species of mangrove plants in the Sundarbans, a rich collection that forms the foundation of this entire ecosystem.
A Guide to Key Plants of the Sundarbans
Sundari (Heritiera fomes)
The namesake of the Sundarbans, the Sundari tree is its most valuable and iconic species. Growing up to 25 meters tall, it has small, smooth leaves and petite yellow flowers. Its dark red, incredibly strong, and durable wood is highly prized for building boats, furniture, and house posts. The Sundari tree thrives in the eastern part of the forest, particularly in the regions between the Baleswar and Pasur rivers where the water is less saline.
Gewa (Excoecaria agallocha)
Commonly seen in frequently flooded areas, the Gewa tree is also known as the “Blinding Tree.” It exudes a poisonous, sticky white latex that can be harmful. Despite this, its wood is lightweight and widely used to make matchsticks and drums. For the forest’s wildlife, its leaves and fruits are a favorite food of spotted deer.
Goran (Ceriops decandra)
Goran is a shrub-like tree that grows in dense thickets, reaching heights of 3-5 meters. Its wood is extremely hard and has a distinct red color, making it excellent for firewood and construction poles. These dense Goran bushes are a preferred habitat and hiding place for the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is found predominantly in the southern, more saline parts of the Sundarbans.
Golpata (Nipa fruticans)
One of the most famous and useful plants, Golpata is a trunkless palm whose large fronds grow directly from the soil along riverbanks. Its name comes from its large, round fruit cluster, which is roughly the size of a football. The edible kernels inside taste similar to tender coconut. The leaves are the primary material used by local communities for thatching roofs. Due to heavy harvesting, this vital plant is now considered under threat.
Keora (Sonneratia apetala)
Growing near rivers and canals, the Keora tree is a cornerstone for local wildlife. Monkeys and deer are heavily dependent on its leaves and fruits. The fruit itself has a sour taste and is popularly used to make delicious pickles and chutneys.
Passur (Xylocarpus mekongensis) and Dhundul (Xylocarpus granatum)
These two related species are large trees. Passur, found along riverbanks, has leaves that resemble those of a jackfruit tree. Dhundul is very similar but is distinguished by its much larger fruit and tends to grow on higher ground deeper within the forest.
Bain (Avicennia species)
Species like Avicennia alba and Avicennia officinalis are known as pioneer trees. They are often the first to colonize newly formed mudflats. Bain is a large, long-living tree that produces good quality wood and is a common sight throughout the Sundarbans.
Hental (Phoenix paludosa)
This low-growing, palm-like shrub thrives on higher ground where the soil is less saline. It grows in dense clumps up to 3-5 meters tall and looks similar to a date palm. Its flowers are a critical source of nectar for the bees that produce the world-famous Sundarbans honey.
Kankra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza)
Known as the “Crab Tree,” this tall plant gets its name from its red, claw-like flowers that resemble the legs of a crab. Its strong and durable wood is highly valued for use as posts and beams in house construction.
Other Notable Flora:
The Sundarbans is also home to countless other species, including the thorny Hargoja (Acanthus ilicifolius) with its beautiful purple flowers, the fern Tiger Fern (Acrosticum aureum) used by tigers for cover, and Goran-bati (Rhizophora mucronata), whose long, thin fruit resembles a goat’s horn.
The Majestic Wildlife
When speaking of the Sundarbans, one must begin with the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. As the proud icon of the forest, these tigers are unique for being the only tiger population adapted to living in a mangrove habitat. Although their numbers have faced threats from poaching and habitat loss, recent conservation efforts have led to a promising increase in their population.
Beyond the tiger, the Sundarbans is home to approximately 50 other species of mammals, including the abundant Chital (Spotted Deer), Barking Deer, Rhesus Macaques, Jungle Cats, and Wild Boars.

Sundarbans, Mangrove Forest, Flora and Fauna, Bengal Tiger, Sundari Tree, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bangladesh, Plant Guide, Ecology, Conservation, Gewa, Goran, Golpata, Wildlife, Mangrove Adaptation