Gathering Seeds, Propagules and Wildings of Mangrove and Beach Trees
 Seed Collection
Amidst beach litter and organic rubbish on shorelines, various seeds
and propagules can be found. (The fruits of most mangrove trees are
called propagules. Propagules already germinate even before detaching
from the tree's branches and thus are very easy to plant.) These are
brought to sea by rivers and streams that run from the inlands and are
eventually washed ashore by the tide.
One of the easiest ways to collect seeds for
eventual planting is to walk along the shore, gathering these as you go
along the way. This task can be done collectively, with other family
members or with friends. The children can be made to participate and
help out, thus also involving them and engaging their interest in the
environment.
Of course, if there are mature, propagule or seed bearing trees within
or around your property, it would be most practical to collect the
seeds, seedlings or propagules , having fallen underneath these trees.
An option is also to gather the wildings that may have already
germinated underneath these mature trees. For species that can no
longer be found in areas directly surrounding your property, however,
scanning the beach for these varieties may prove of much value as the
tides and currents work to bring these from far away places.
For most species, it will be best to bag the seeds,
propagules or wildings so that the newly germinated seedlings can be
properly cared for in a nursery, before they can be planted in the
regeneration sites. These can be ready for planting in 2-3 months time.
Some species, however, like the Rhizopora (Bakawan)
have propagules that can be directly planted in the regeneration site.
(see below)
Below is a sampling of seeds gathered from various coastal areas in
Luzon from July-November of 2008. Depending on what time of the year
you will be doing seed-gathering, these are what to look out for:
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Beach Forest and Mangroves